Cubs Taking a Page out of Rays Book with Saturday Starting Pitcher

I have been all over David Ross as of late, jumping at the chance to criticize his questionable moves, but hey, I think I actually like this decision. Well, kind of.

The Cubs are taking a page out of the Tampa Bay Rays book, as Ross has decided to start right-handed reliever Michael Fulmer on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. So, you know, Fulmer is going to be the opener, which the Rays began to use frequently during the 2018 season and a few teams have followed suit on occasion since then.

Veteran lefty Drew Smyly was originally lined up to start on Saturday for the Cubs, although he wasn't ever officially announced as the starter. Smyly was great through the first two months of the 2023 season, posting a 2.60 ERA in 10 starts, but since he's been pretty bad. In his last 9 starts, Smyly has a 6.85 ERA in 44.2 innings. In 7 of those 9 starts, Smyly has allowed at least two runs through the first two innings of the game.

But again, as much as I like the switch-up here, I'm not sure I would have gone with Fulmer. First of all, he pitched on Friday and he wasn't sharp, walling two batters and only being able to get one out before being taken out.

I know I mentioned Smyly's numbers early in games and how that could be a reason as to why the Cubs are going with an opener, but there is the chance that the left-handed starting pitcher could be dealing with some soreness that may not lead to an injury stint, but just needs a few extra days off. Or maybe Smyly is injured and the Cubs are just going with a full bullpen game on Saturday.

Earlier this week the Cubs did not announce their starting rotation beyond Steele on Friday.

It is very possible that the Cubs make a roster move ahead of Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski began the 2023 season as the team's fifth starter, winning the competition with his great showing during spring training. The rookie had ups and downs through the first month and a half and was eventually optioned to Triple-A in the middle of May, when Kyle Hendricks returned. Wesneski was back up at the end of May, but he was used as a reliever for the next five weeks before he was once again optioned to the Iowa Cubs on the 4th of July.

From May 31-July 2, Wesneski pitched in seven games with the Cubs. He was fine, recording a 4.22 ERA in 21.1 innings. The righty really only had one bad outing, allowing, five runs in three innings against the San Francisco Giants on June 11. In his other six games, Wesneski had a 2.45 ERA in 18.1 innings. Since going back to Triple-A earlier this month, Wesneski has given up two earned runs in six innings in two games.

So, we'll see if the Cubs do indeed make a roster move before Saturday's game or if they go with Fulmer and then Smyly right after.