Relief reinforcements are on their way to Arizona to help the Cubs:
The #Cubs today recalled RHP Dillon Maples from @IowaCubs. LHP Randy Rosario was optioned to Triple-A following yesterday’s game. pic.twitter.com/isOG5w85Ps
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 26, 2019
The Cubs have recalled right-handed reliever Dillon Maples from Iowa. And in a corresponding move, the team sent left-handed reliever Randy Rosario to Triple-A.
Maples was off to an uneven start at Iowa. Because while Maples racked up 16 strikeouts and a dazzling 44.4 percent strikeout rate in eight innings, he has also walked eight batters in those same eight innings. That comes out to a less-than-desirable 22.2 percent walk rate. Ick.
There is some encouraging news regarding Maples’ command. In his last 5.1 innings of work, Maples has struck out nine and walked just one. He has allowed just one of 19 batters to collect a hit off him and only one run has crossed the plate in that time. And in each of Maples’ last three outing, he has struck out at least two batters and recorded at least four outs. If Maples is entering a hot stretch, now seems like a good time to ride it out.
Cubs relievers own the seventh-highest ERA (4.91) and 14th-highest FIP (4.57), so perhaps adding a little swing-and-miss to the collection could help matters. Then again, I’m already troubled by the mere idea of Maples losing his command after this promotion. But now seems like the right time to call him up. Here’s hoping Bryan didn’t jinx him with this piece that allows you to dream on Maples finally figuring it out.
It sure would be sweet if he found his command as the team heads on a brief road trip.