It didn’t make any sense earlier in the week, when the discussion of having seven instead of eight relievers first surfaced and now Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has confirmed that the team will in fact have eight men in the bullpen. That brings the Cubs one step closer to finalizing their 25-man roster for Opening Day next Thursday against the Miami Marlins.
Just like the past few years with Maddon’s Cubs, the roster will have 13 pitchers and 12 position players, with eight relievers and four bats off the bench to go along with the starting rotation.
#Cubs Maddon says they'll go with 8 relievers
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 23, 2018
Although the number is set, there are still three spots that haven’t been determined, or at least that haven’t been made known to the players yet. Two of those are in the bullpen, as Pedro Strop made his spring training debut Thursday, missing time because of a calf issue and illness. He’s still hopeful to be ready next week and should get a few more appearances before Opening Day.
If Strop is good to go, the final bullpen spot is now down to one of the following, Eddie Butler, Anthony Bass, Kyle Ryan or Shae Simmons. Randy Rosario, who the Cubs picked up off waivers from the Minnesota Twins in the offseason, was optioned to minor-league camp on Friday.
As far as the position players go, it’s down to Chris Gimenez and Victor Caratini to be the backup to Willson Contreras.
#Cubs Maddon on backup catcher situation between Caratini and Gimenez: "We kind of know what we're doing and we haven't spoken to everybody yet."
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 23, 2018
We also know that Ian Happ will handle the leadoff duties to start the season, but of course Maddon said others will be in that position throughout the season based on matchups.
Really feeling the anticipation for this season and how can you not as a Cubs fan after seeing what Kris Bryant had to say about the offense.
Kris Bryant said he got "goose bumps" driving home yesterday while thinking about what the Cubs can do on offense this season: "We might have a 30 home run lead off hitter." https://t.co/7XXzSrV0vi
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 22, 2018
KB’s got goosebumps, I’ve got goosebumps, you’ve got goosebumps, let’s go!!!!
