In a swift move reflecting their urgent need for improved pitching performance, the Chicago Cubs have optioned left-handed reliever Luke Little back to Triple-A Iowa, recalling Jordan Wicks in his place. This decision comes on the heels of Little's disappointing outing against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, where he struggled significantly on the mound.
During that eighth inning, the Cubs were trailing by just one run when Little entered the game, tasked with maintaining their slim chance of victory. However, he faced a dismal performance that saw him surrender four walks and allow a crucial insurance run to the Padres. This outing exemplified a troubling trend for the 24-year-old, whose potential is overshadowed by his inconsistent command.
Little, known for his impressive fastball that can reach speeds of up to 100 mph, has shown flashes of brilliance but has often battled with control issues. His recent performance was a continuation of a pattern that has frustrated the Cubs' coaching staff and fans alike. The Cubs currently find themselves in a "win now" mentality, which leaves little room for developing pitchers who are struggling at the major league level.
As of Thursday, the Cubs' bullpen has issued a staggering 41 walks over 71.1 innings this season, placing them fourth to last in the league with a 4.92 ERA and a BB/9 rate of 5.17. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency behind the Cubs' roster changes. Manager Craig Counsell, who has been navigating the challenges of a beleaguered bullpen, opted to bring in Wicks, who has demonstrated more reliability during his time with the Iowa Cubs.
Jordan Wicks, 25, has made three appearances this season in Triple-A, boasting a solid 3.55 ERA over 12.2 innings pitched, during which he has struck out 11 batters. His most recent outing was particularly impressive, as he struck out five batters in a three-inning relief appearance and secured a save. With the Cubs aiming to bolster their bullpen, Wicks is expected to play a significant role, likely serving in a long-relief capacity.
This change comes as the Cubs prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Colin Rea set to take the mound for the first game of the series on Friday afternoon. The Cubs' rotation also includes Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Ben Brown, and Matthew Boyd, but with the current state of the bullpen, Wicks' versatility will be crucial.
Wicks' promotion is timely, particularly with Javier Assad scheduled to throw his second rehab start on Sunday. The Cubs are eager to see improvements in their pitching depth, especially given the challenges presented by injuries, as Justin Steele has been placed on the injured list with a season-ending elbow injury.
As the Cubs continue to navigate the early part of the season, the pressure is on for Wicks to deliver effective innings and provide the stability that the bullpen desperately needs. The team’s proactive approach in making these roster changes signals their commitment to turning the season around and competing at a higher level.
Fans will be watching closely as Wicks steps into a critical role, hoping to inject some much-needed energy and performance into a struggling bullpen. The Cubs are clearly looking for answers, and Wicks may just be the key to unlocking a more effective pitching strategy moving forward.
