NEWSLETTER
When Baseball America ran down a list of nine prospects who could influence playoff races, Trevor Clifton came in at number seven.
And it is easy to see why. Clifton has some pretty good stuff that should work in middle relief in September, and getting him some playoff chase experience, maybe even a spot start or two, is only going to help his development. Long term, he could be a part of the Cubs’ pitching picture.
But I don’t think he’ll be the only one up. The bullpen should get a shot in the arm from Dillon Maples and (possibly) Dakota Mekkes. One or two catchers will probably come up (Chris Gimenez and Taylor Davis are your candidates) as well.
If you’re looking for a wild card, though, keep an eye on Jason Vosler. Vosler is a left-handed slugging corner infielder who probably wouldn’t see much on field time with the Cubs in September, but as a guy who hits both lefties and righties pretty well, he could be a nice pinch hit option. The Cubs probably don’t need any more bats off the bench this year, but when you’re trying to rest your main guys down the stretch a little extra depth doesn’t hurt.
There will have to be some roster moves to get some of these guys onto the 40-man if they are going to come up. That will be something to watch as we get near the end of the month.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Iowa 9, Colorado Springs 3
A six run fourth gave the Cubs their winning margin.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Tennessee 11, Birmingham 1
The Smokies are all alone in second now, but they are six games back.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Potomac 3, Myrtle Beach 2
The bullpen pitched pretty well in this one.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
Fort Wayne 5, South Bend 1 in seven innings
This was supposed to have been a double header, but the second game was rained out.
Short Season A: Eugene Emeralds
Eugene 2, Hillsboro 1
Very good pitching and just enough offense led to a Eugene win.
Rookie: AZL Cubs 1
Cubs One 8, D-backs 4
Two big innings provided all the runs the Cubs needed.
Rookie: AZL Cubs 2
Indians 5, Cubs Two 4
The Cubs lost their second straight and are now two games out of first.
Other Notes
