Zobrist Visiting Camp, Hendricks Throwing Harder And More Cubs Notes

Hey, look who’s back in Cubs camp!

Ben Zobrist is at Cubs camp today. Just visiting but he’ll be in uniform helping out.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 3, 2020

But don’t get any crazy ideas because the 2016 World Series MVP isn’t in Mesa to tryout for the Cubs. Zobrist, like John Lackey, is just in camp to help around for a week.

For anyone wondering, Cubs manager David Ross also made it clear that, no, Ben Zobrist is not in camp for a tryout or anything like that. Just a guest here to put on uniform, observe, chat with players, etc;
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 3, 2020

Always great to see familiar faces around. And just a reminder that after finishing up his four-year contract with the Cubs, Zobrist has no plans to play.

Ben Zobrist hasn’t announced anything but is at home and has no plans to play. Very nice career: started versatility trend and was rewarded for it, won 2 rings
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2020

Left-handed reliever Brad Wieck is working back after having a heart procedure done last week.

Brad Wieck played catch up to 70 feet Monday. Will continue flat-ground catch this week. Has follow-up with cardiologist Monday next week. All good news so far.

“Hopefully I can get back on the slope soon,” Wieck said.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 3, 2020

Meanwhile, the Cubs announced that 23-year-old pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez has a grade 2 biceps strain.

Ross said pitching prospect Manny Rodriguez's injury is a "Grade 2" biceps strain. No timetable given. Medical/training staff still mapping out a rehab plan.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 3, 2020

The injury could potentially open up a spot on the 40-man roster, as Rodriguez will most likely begin the season on the 60-day injured list.

Very glad it’s not more serious. IF Cubs aren’t pinching pennies down to the dollar, move is prbly to put Manny on the 60-day IL, clearing a 40-man spot that they could use. Manny starts season in Extended and then “on a rehab assignment”, at the minor lg level he’d be at anyway. https://t.co/0ryNZ3wubc
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) March 3, 2020

Hopefully his rehab goes smoothly. Really sucks, Rodriguez was showing some great stuff.

Kyle Hendricks made his second spring training start Monday and look at that radar gun!

Kyle Hendricks was really sharp today. The ESPN gun had him at 88-89 a lot. FanGraphs has him averaging 85.8, 86.9, 86.9 on the fastball the last 3 years (87.8-88.3 in 2014-16).

Here he is painting at 89 mph for the strikeout: pic.twitter.com/uXIHNMltMT
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) March 2, 2020

Yeah, it’s Kyle Hendricks, what did you expect, 99mph? But again, it’s Kyle Hendricks and he’s already hitting 89 in March. He’s been ramping up the velocity during the past few years, so if he can start the year already in midseason form, then that’s great news for the Cubs.

And right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress is also showing good velocity early on in spring training.

Jeremy Jeffress was at 94-96 on his fastball (according to the ESPN gun). Averaged 95.3 in his 1.29 ERA 2018 season according to FanGraphs, 93.8 in his 5.02 ERA 2019 season after battling injuries.

This 95 mph fastball for the K moved like his changeup. pic.twitter.com/LNmXzSLFpa
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) March 2, 2020

And a few more fun things from yesterday’s all access broadcast on ESPN, as Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant were mic’d up live against the Angels.

Kris Bryant had Lance Barksdale sign the lineup card from the first and only time he was ever ejected from a game. Had it framed.
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 2, 2020

Joe Maddon to Bryzzo on ESPN.

"Believe me, I miss you guys. I wish you nothing but the best." pic.twitter.com/1cWVhHZMaL
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 2, 2020

Zobrist Visiting Camp, Hendricks Throwing Harder And More Cubs Notes

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