NEWSLETTER
Jose Martinez was probably the Cubs’ biggest Trade Deadline acquisition, designed to address one of their most glaring holes: brutal results against lefty pitchers.
Martinez struggled out of the gate, though, got a whopping 15 plate appearances, and was sent to South Bend. All year, the Cubs have been brutal against lefties, and things have only been worse since August 31. Having Martinez not produce and then get sent down … oof. It was rough (especially since the Cubs gave up at least one legit prospect to get him).
Well, now he’s coming back, with a chance at redemption – both for himself and for the Cubs’ efforts to land him in trade:
The #Cubs today recalled OF/INF José Martínez from the club’s South Bend Alternate Site and optioned LHP Josh Osich to South Bend. pic.twitter.com/QrQsGeB8Vg
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2020
Martinez is totally going to get a hit this time around.
For now, the Cubs send down a relief arm – lefty Josh Osich – to make room, but with Adbert Alzolay likely to be called up on Tuesday to make a start, there’s more maneuvering to come. Also, Jose Quintana might return, so there’s that, too.
Osich was one of the Cubs other three Trade Deadline acquisitions, meant to shore up that OTHER obvious weakness (arms from the left side in the bullpen). His performance was pretty meh, and with the return of Quintana looming, the arrival of Andrew Chafin, and Rex Brothers looking good, he’s the first lefty to go. Kyle Ryan, who hasn’t looked good all year, has barely pitched this month, for what it’s worth. I’d be shocked if he winds up an important part of the postseason bullpen at this point.
Meanwhile, the story on lefty Brailyn Marquez remains the same. Maybe he’ll come up, maybe he won’t, and the implication is that there is a rostering deadline on Wednesday:
Hoyer: Marquez throwing well at South Bend, “progressed nicely.” Didn’t want to speculate on whether he would be part of 40-man roster to be announced Wednesday. Jose Martinez recalled, Osich optioned to South Bend
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) September 20, 2020
