As you probably know, major league rosters expand from 25 to the entire 40-man tomorrow. Not everyone is brought up from the 40-man of course, but expect half a dozen or so players from Iowa to join the Cubs over the next few days. That will include super prospect Kris Bryant, word on the street is that guy can really hit.
One hidden gem that many Cubs fans might not know about is reliever Allen Webster. You’ll get to know him soon, and it’s possible that he makes a serious impact.
Before Game 2 of today doubleheader with the @skysox, the @IowaCubs will add RHP Allen Webster from @smokiesbaseball. Webster — 2.63 ERA in 13 appearances w/AZL Cubs + Tennessee. 14.5 K/9 in 13.1 IP this year. Has 68 MLB appearances with BOS and ARI.
— Alex Cohen (@voiceofcohen) August 23, 2018
Webster, a former top 100 prospect who fell off the map a few years back, has continued to have success in Iowa.
Tonight’s six swings and misses for Webster:
1. 95 mph low-away fastball
2. 97 mph outside corner fastball
3. 91 mph outside corner slider
4. 89 mph low-away (to LHH) change, I think. (Maybe slider)
5. 91 mph outside corner slider
6. 91 mph nasty slider— Cubs Prospects (@cubprospects) August 30, 2018
The Cubs bullpen has been really strong all season, but there are still some questions about its October makeup, especially if Brandon Morrow isn’t healthy. It’s a similar situation to 2015, when Trevor Cahill wasn’t added to the 40-man roster until September 1st.
Cahill posted a 2.12 ERA while striking out 22 batters in 17 innings that month, earning him a big role in the postseason.
Injuries are the only way Webster will find himself in Joe Maddon’s circle of trust, but the final one or two spots in the pen are up for grabs and his name will be in play.
