NEWSLETTER
After 4 games, 4.2 innings, and 9 strikeouts in a Smokies uniform, Allen Webster has been sent to Iowa. I can think of just one reason the Cubs would be pushing him up the organization this fast, this late in the year: he is being considered for a September call-up.
Any why not? The Cubs can probably find the 40-man roster space, and Webster has pitched very well since leaving Arizona. One more arm out of the pen down the stretch can only be a good thing. And if it turns out he can handle high leverage situations? Suddenly a good Cubs’ bullpen looks even better.
And Webster wasn’t the only arm getting the bump to Iowa: starting pitcher Duncan Robinson, who’s been a breakout success this year, is also now on the Iowa Cubs roster. The 24-year-old righty was the Cubs’ 9th round pick in 2016 – a senior out of Dartmouth – and he put up a 3.31 ERA in 130.2 innings at Tennessee this year, with solid peripherals. He was recently named by Baseball America as having the best control in the Southern League.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Colorado Springs 3, Iowa 2 in eight innings
Colorado Springs 4, Iowa 3
Iowa was swept, but the Cubs did see some good work from probable September call ups. Rob Zastryzny pitched three scoreless, and Dakota Mekkes added one of his own. Allen Webster also made his Iowa debut.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Jackson 6, Tennessee 2
Keegan Thompson not only struck out 8 over 7 innings of work (2 runs allowed), he also doubled and drove in two runs at the plate.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Winston-Salem 3, Myrtle Beach 2
Myrtle Beach 6, Winston Salem 1
Luis Ayala had four hits on the day, including two doubles. Jared Young also doubled as part of a three hit day. Tyson Miller stuck out 8 in a 7 inning complete game in Game 2, and Bailey Clark returned with two scoreless in the first contest.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
Lake County 4, South Bend 2
After Brendon Little did not get out of the first inning, the bullpen did not give up a run the rest of the game.
Short Season A: Eugene Emeralds
Hillsboro 10, Eugene 1
Eugene has now lost three straight and are one game out of the playoffs.
Rookie: AZL Cubs 1
Giants Orange 4, Cubs One 1
The Cubs were held to just four hits in this one.
Rookie: AZL Cubs 2
Cubs Two 11, White Sox 9
There were 31 total hits in this game, including 16 from the Cubs. Three of those hits were home runs by Luis Verdugo, Cole Roederer, and Fidel Mejia. Roederer stole two bases, and Luis Diaz swiped three.
Other Notes
