The Chicago Cubs could be forced to go with a six-man rotation in the near future. Chicago recently revamped their pitching staff ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. Thanks to two significant deals, star veterans Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes were added to the roster. The moves should give the Cubs a massive boost heading towards the playoffs.
Nevertheless, the additions also create a bit of a logjam in Chicago’s rotation. Along with the newcomers, the Cubs also have Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad as starter options. Edward Cabrera will soon return to the fray as well. The ace recently made an impressive rehab start in the minor leagues.
Ahead of an August 6 game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy made an appearance on 104.3 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show. The coach was specifically asked about the team potentially going with a six-man rotation moving forward. “My main consideration for a six-man rotation is when we have long stretches of no off days,” stated Hottovy.
“Kind of like what we’ve done this week. Basically, this week, Assad’s making a start, Colin Rea’s made a start, David Peterson’s made a start, and Gausman and Holmes are going to make a start. We’re using a lot of starters during this stretch. We’ve played 17 [games] in a row. I think that’s the time where it’s the most valuable to give guys that extra rest.”
Tommy Hottovy Reveals Chicago Cubs Relief Pitchers Need Rest
GettyTrade deadline acquisitions Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman will be a big boost to the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs going with a six-man rotation has its benefits. In this scenario, starters essentially earn an extra day of rest. Nevertheless, the pitchers in the bullpen can suffer while being shorthanded. Having an extra starter takes away a full-time reliever on the roster. Hottovy acknowledged this issue during the aforementioned interview.
“It also puts a lot of strain on your bullpen,” continued the coach. “We’re going into today’s game with some guys that probably need a day off because they have thrown so much… that’s the danger when you go to anything over a five-man rotation. You’re giving yourself one guy less in the bullpen. I think, for us, ideally the plan would be to go with a five-man rotation and then find the right spots to add that sixth man back in.”
Key Chicago Cubs relievers Jacob Webb and Tyler Ferguson have both pitched in back-to-back days. With an afternoon game set for August 6, Hottovy was likely referencing the duo in the interview on Chicago radio.
Chicago has Solid Five-Man Rotation on Paper
Peterson is scheduled to make the August 6 start against the Blue Jays for the Chicago Cubs. The lefty, however, will likely eventually transition to the bullpen once the North Siders have a healthy rotation. Along with the former Met, Assad and Rea would also seemingly be utilized as a reliever in the near future.
If so, this would leave Boyd, Imanaga, Gausman, Holmes, and Cabrera as Chicago’s five-man rotation down the stretch. Holmes is currently injured, despite being acquired at the trade deadline. The star pitcher, however, is expected to come off the 60-day injured list this weekend against the Kansas City Royals.
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