Guys, I really want Tyler Chatwood to be good. I hope he gets it all back and surprises everyone. He’s worked all offseason long, working on a small mechanical change that will hopefully lead to better results. But so far, not good.
I know, I know, it’s spring training and it was his first start and honestly I don’t care that Chatwood gave up a two-run home run to Brandon Belt on Sunday. It’s the other same shit that Cubs fans saw in 2018 that’s worrying. You know, the not throwing strikes part.
It was the same story on Sunday. So many times in 2018 Chatwood would actually begin a start off well, mowing through the first three batters in the lineup and then shit would hit the fan. He’d lose all control and all anyone could do was watch with our hands half covering our eyes.
Here’s how Chatwood’s spring training debut started on Sunday.
Chatwood has fallen behind all four guys he's faced, got a quick single and then a 3-6-1 DP to start the game before a five-pitch walk and then a two-run shot to Belt. Delivery seems cleaner though!
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 24, 2019
In the second inning, Chatwood got two quick outs and then hit a batter. Luckily, Kyle Schwarber bailed him out with a diving catch in left to end the inning.
Great catch by Kyle Schwarber diving into foul territory to end the second inning for Chatwood. Chatty got a K and a quick groundout to start the inning, but then hit the third batter before that nice catch by Schwarbs.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 24, 2019
Chatwood made 20 starts in 2018, in his first year with the Cubs. He finished the season with a 5.30 ERA and a ridiculous 1.80 WHIP. He walked 95 batters in 103.2 innings. That included walking at least five in 11 starts.
There’s just no way Chatwood can be anywhere near the 25-man roster on opening day if this keeps up.
