The Cubs made their first two bullpen moves of the season Saturday, sending Carl Edwards Jr. to Iowa, while placing Mike Montgomery on the injured list with a lat issue. Well, the Cubs shouldn't waste any more time and send Randy Rosario to Iowa too.
It was all fun and games in 2018, when Rosario made his Cubs debut. For the most part Rosario was fine, but that was only because he was getting results. Meanwhile all the numbers suggested he was simply lucky.
Rosario had a 3.66 ERA in 46.2 innings in 2018, but had a 1.48 WHIP, striking out only 30 batters and walking 22. That was only good for 5.79 strikeouts per nine innings and his walk rate of 11% was slightly lower than Tyler Chatwood's career walk rate of 12%. And we all know that Chatwood's control and command even at their best is only below average.
Despite the OK 3.66 ERA, Rosario finished 2018 with a 4.68 FIP and 4.60 xFIP. Bottom line, he was extremely lucky.
But hey, credit to Rosario for winning a bullpen spot in spring training, as another lefty Brian Duensing was DFA'd. Yet, Rosario's second half struggles from 2018 have carried over to 2019.
In his last 22 games last season Rosario had a 6.16 ERA, walking nine and giving up 25 hits in 19 innings. He only had 14 strikeouts and opponents hit .314 against him.
So really, the luck kind of ran out for Rosario after the All-Star break and so far in 2019 the true numbers are speaking for themselves. Rosario has pitched three innings this year and has surrendered four earned runs on five hits, two walks and a home run.
The entire Cubs pitching staff has been struggling with walking way too many batters through the first week of this season, but the team was finally in a pressure-free situation Saturday night against the Brewers.
The Cubs had just scored seven runs in eighth inning, making their lead 14-5. Rosario came in and walked two batters before giving up a three-run home run to Eric Thames.
Rosario then gave up a double and threw a wild pitch before finally getting the third out in the bottom of the eighth.
Joe Maddon's reaction said it all.
Carl, make room for Randy. He should be joining you soon in Iowa.
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