With Mike Montgomery starting against the Pirates today in place of an injured Yu Darvish (his MRI is coming tomorrow, by the way), the bullpen was already going to be on high-alert this afternoon, on the assumption that Montgomery probably won’t last deep into the game.
Unfortunately, the bullpen was forced to cover 6.1 innings last night too (Tyler Chatwood, still just trying throw strikes, lasted just 2.2 innings for the second consecutive start), so some roster moves quickly became necessary.
And as expected, it’ll be the righty Luke Farrell up, but, as a moderate surprise, it’ll be to replace Justin Hancock:
#Cubs option Justin Hancock to Iowa and recall Luke Farrell
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 28, 2018
Hancock, 27, has gotten some pretty great results for the Cubs this season (1.74 ERA), but did have some troubling peripherals (17.5% walk rate, 4.46 FIP). And because he also pitched an inning last night, he was one of the more obvious candidates to get sent down. To be sure, it could’ve easily been Randy Rosario, who threw 2.1 innings last night and almost certainly won’t be available today (or tomorrow, even), but he’s been so impressive this year, that the Cubs may just want to give him an extended look (or maybe there’ll be another roster move tomorrow – shrug).
As for Luke Farrell, he was scratched from his start yesterday, so he might be just a little off his rhythm, but should be very well-rested. If everything goes according to plan, he’ll piggy back off Montgomery after a few innings today and help cover for a tired bullpen.
And if that does happen, you just know Brett will be pleased, because his nickname for the duo will become a reality:
If Luke Farrell and Mike Montgomery piggyback together for a Cubs start this week, may I present …
Like Fartgomery.
You're welcome.
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 27, 2018
Farrell, by the way, is 0-2 through five starts with the I-Cubs this season, with a 4.94 ERA and a 4.61 FIP. He has been striking out a fair number of batters (24.5%) and walking a manageable amount (8.2%) though, so he’s certainly got the potential to pitch a nice game.
And, if you recall, he was actually up with the Cubs earlier this season, throwing 5.2 innings of relief over six appearances, while racking up far better strikeout and walk totals (32.1 K%, 3.6 BB%), but allowing too many hits (10) and earned runs (5). We’ll let you know if any other roster moves trickle out before the game, but I’m guessing that’s it for today.
And because everything happened at once, don’t miss the series preview or the lineup, which already came out.