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Last night we found out that the Cubs were sending outfielder Mark Zagunis to Triple-A. Before Saturday’s game the Cubs officially announced the move, while also sending right-hander James Norwood back to Iowa as well. The Cubs need as many fresh arms as possible, so they’ve called up right-hander Dillon Maples and lefty Tim Collins to add to the bullpen after Norwood pitched during Friday’s game against the Reds.
So, that means the Cubs have an extra reliever but they’re a man short on the bench. Maybe that won’t be as big of a deal considering Zagunis had less than 10 at-bats in May before getting sent down.
But if the Cubs do end up needing a pinch-hitter and Joe Maddon has used up his short bench, then Tyler Chatwood is going to be the man for the job.
Chatwood is 2-for-6 at the plate this season, both hits being doubles. He’s a career .214 hitter in 178 at-bats.
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As for the new pitchers, it’ll be their second time in the bullpen this year. Maples was called up in late April and appeared in three games. Cubs fans got the full Maples experience, as he showed off his nasty stuff, striking out six and walking five in 2.2 innings. But hey, he didn’t give up a hit or any runs.
Collins came up in early April and was mainly used in low-leverage situations. He gave up one run on five hits and two walks (2.70 ERA) in 3.1 innings. After pitching in four games Collins was sent back to Iowa. Overall in Triple-A, Collins has been steady, only giving up three earned runs in 12 innings.
