CINCINNATI – The are expected to assess their pitching needs over the next couple days, en route to deciding whether to activate lefty from the 15-day IL or send him back to Triple-A for another rehab start. “We’ve had, frankly, two shorter stars the last two nights,” manager said before the Cubs’ series opener against the Reds on Thursday. “So just want to make sure we’re covered down there and getting guys appropriate rest.
” Having Wicks come out of the bullpen is one of the options the Cubs have discussed, as he nears a return from straining his left forearm. He has yet to record a relief appearance in his college or professional career. But temporarily moving the rookie to the bullpen would be a far less radical move than , which the Cubs have already done.
“I have no issues with it, at all,” Wicks said of the possibility. “I made it clear to them, I’m available whatever role they need me in to throw whenever they need me to. Whatever’s best for us to help us win games.
” As the Cubs continue to prefer to operate on a six-day rotation with five regular starting pitchers, versatile pitchers who can both start and throw out of the bullpen have been vital in maintaining that schedule. and have served in those roles at times this year. “We call it the method,” Wicks siad, referencing the Cubs’ starter Thursday, who thrived in a multifaceted role the year before.
“You try to be as effective out of the ‘pen as you are starting because it is .
