Cubs Pitching Prospect May Be Called Up Soon

The Chicago Cubs have to do something in their starting rotation and whether it's pushing guys back a day or getting Drew Smyly out of the mix, seeing Jordan Wicks scratched from his start at Triple-A on Wednesday is a great sign.

David Ross said there was no one waiting in line to take a rotation spot after Smyly's brutal game Tuesday night against the Detroit Tigers and maybe he was just being supportive of his veteran pitcher, but it seems like Wicks may be up soon. The pitching prospect has been scratched from his scheduled start and it's not because of an injury.

The 23-year-old starting pitcher has made 20 starts in the minor leagues this season, including seven with the Iowa Cubs at Triple-A. Wicks' last four starts have been pretty damn good, as the lefty has recorded a 2.29 ERA in 19.2 innings.

In his last start for Iowa, Wicks struck out seven and gave up two runs in 4.2 innings.

Overall at Triple-A, the left-handed pitcher has posted a 3.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 33 innings.

As of right now, Wicks is still with the Iowa Cubs.

So, thinking optimistically here, the Cubs don't want Wicks starting at Triple-A today, and instead will have him work on the side so that he can be ready for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That's when Smyly is currently penciled in to start again for the Cubs.

There is just no way the Cubs can be serious about contending and still go back to Smyly, who has been awful time and time again since the beginning of June. You already know that you can't rely on him for a decent start, so why not give another pitcher a shot. The team has made it obvious that they don't believe in Hayden Wesneski right now as a starter, so why not give Wicks the opportunity?

The 2021 first round pick has done enough this year to earn a shot, especially when there is a glaring need to find anyone else to replace Smyly in the starting rotation.