Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher Could See Bullpen Role

Injured Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman was set to throw another live batting practice on Monday in Arizona, per the Chicago Tribune.

What happens next is unclear. But, the Cubs are exploring all of their options, including not attempting to stretch Stroman out so he can start again.

This past weekend, 670 The Score reported that the Cubs are considering bringing Stroman back as a reliever once he’s ready to throw. Just as importantly, Stroman is open to the idea.

A couple of developments make Stroman’s potential activation worth watching. First, the Cubs are out west this week. The Cubs are in Denver through Wednesday to face the Rockies, and then head to Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game series this weekend.

The proximity gives the Cubs a chance to assess Stroman, especially during their off-day on Thursday, before determining whether he’s ready to be activated.

The other development came on Monday when the Cubs put closer Adbert Alzolay on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. He’s been reliable for the Cubs most of the season. He heads to the injured list with a 2.71 ERA in 63 innings (57 games) and 22 saves.

None of that means that Stroman is close to being activated, of course. The Cubs have not provided an official timetable.

But he’s been in Arizona for more than a week and has thrown either bullpens or live batting practice on a consistent basis with no reported setbacks. Before he went to Arizona, the Cubs examined his right rib cartilage fracture and determined he was healing.

At one time this season, Stroman was the Cubs’ best starting pitcher. He had such a good start to the season that he was entertaining Cy Young talk, attracting potential trade suitors and was asking the Cubs to extend his deal past this season.

But, after the All-Star Break his performance took a noticeable dip due to the hip injury. He has a 10-8 record with a 3.85 ERA in 23 starts, with 111 strikeouts and 50 walks.

On Aug. 2, the Cubs put Stroman on the 15-day injured list with right hip inflammation.

He was actually poised to return to the rotation when he was eligible to be activated after a final bullpen session in Toronto. But, well after the session, he reported some soreness to team trainers.

After an examination, he was diagnosed with the right rib cartilage fracture, which Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said wasn’t a “common pitching injury.”