Whatever happens with the Cubs’ rotation in the very near-term, it’s not going to involve top pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay.
I mean, it might not have anyway, but if the need popped up, you could easily imagine a scenario where Alzolay would get the bump. Alas:
#Cubs say that Adbert Alzolay suffered a grade one lat strain. Will be re-evaluated in a few days. Left his start today after 4 perfect innings.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) May 29, 2018
#Cubs top prospect Adbert Alzolay leaves the game after four perfect innings for the @IowaCubs:
4 IP
0 R
0 H
0 BB
3 K
60 pitches
39 strikes@Cubs prospects stats: https://t.co/2zTPjmL3NK pic.twitter.com/XyGQzxynKr— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 29, 2018
The good news is that a grade one lat strain is on the lower end (and lesser severity) of terrifying pitcher injuries. It’s often one that rest can clear up, and a guy can resume pitching soon-ish without too much issue. That’s no guarantee that he’ll be fine in a couple weeks, mind you. I’m just saying – without any other information yet – that it does happen.
Depending on what happens with Yu Darvish (tick tock on that MRI) and Tyler Chatwood, it’s possible a spot would have opened up in the rotation very soon for Alzolay, even with Mike Montgomery making starts. Now, that won’t matter. Just get well, Adbert.