The Cubs are moving David Peterson back to the starting rotation this weekend. This comes after Edward Cabrera returned from injury only to suffer a blister and land on the IL again. It is a quick turn of events for a team that just wanted a fresh look in the box.
Craig Counsell announced earlier that Cabrera would take his spot while Peterson moved to the bullpen. That plan lasted just one start. Cabrera’s outing was a total disaster, and the blister issue forced him back to the injured list. Now, Peterson gets the ball for Saturday’s game against the Mariners in Seattle.
Peterson’s Recent Success
David Peterson has been very effective since his rough start against the Cardinals in early July. He made one relief appearance during his time in the bullpen. He threw 1.1 scoreless innings on 22 pitches during the Cubs’ win over the White Sox on Monday. With that low pitch count, he is on normal rest and ready to go deep into Saturday’s game.
According to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Cubs won six of the seven games Peterson has pitched in since that bad July start. His numbers show he is keeping runs off the board. He holds a 2.06 ERA and a 1.229 WHIP in those seven games. His FIP sits at 3.86. The team clearly likes what they see from him right now.
Cabrera in the Pen?
Edward Cabrera throws hard, up to 97 miles per hour. When functioning properly, his 94 mile per hour changeup serves as a reliable out pitch. Certain supporters believe he could prove quite effective from the bullpen. Throwing just one inning at a time could help him manage his blister issue without the stress of a full five-inning start.
The big question remains about when Cabrera returns. If he becomes eligible to leave the IL, will he return to the rotation. Most fans in a recent survey said “no” to that idea. They prefer to keep Peterson in the rotation while Cabrera finds his way back in relief.
Winning in October is what matters most. The Cubs are likely a 92-95 win team this year. They do not need to worry about the wild card race like other teams do. The American League has six teams within 1.5 games of the last wild card spot. The Astros leading the West are only one game over .500. Success in October requires only getting hot and staying that way for four weeks.
Bleed Cubbie Blue observed that the Diamondbacks reached the 2023 postseason despite a negative run differential. They scored 746 runs but allowed 761. They finished 84-78 and still got in. The Cubs have a better record, but the goal is the same. Make it so.
