NEWSLETTER
Not but one week into Spring Training, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella was all too eager to name youngster Esmailin Caridad his right-handed setup pitcher.
Flash forward to the season and Caridad struggled with control, struggled with the long ball, and then, apparently, struggled with his arm. He was placed on the disabled list almost three weeks ago, and few have given him much of a thought since. But he’s still rehabbing, and hoping to come back soon.
Rookie pitcher Esmailin Caridad will throw one inning in a Minor League game Saturday in Mesa, Ariz., his first game action since going on the disabled list.
Caridad has been sidelined since April 12 with a strained right forearm. He was rehabbing at the Cubs’ extended spring camp.
The right-hander, who was projected as the Cubs’ main setup pitcher this season, was about 10 days away from being able to rejoin the Major League team.
Caridad had appeared in four games before he was hurt, and had given up four runs on three hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. cubs.com.
Caridad will, at some point, become a good part of the Cubs’ bullpen, but it may take some time. Lou’s quick annointing probably did him no favors, nor did a certain Drew Stubbs grand slam.
Hopefully his ineffectiveness was somewhat related to the forearm issues he’s now dealing with, and once those are cleared up, he can help the Cubs out in an area they desperately need it.
Also, how’s his BA with RISP?
