With the bullpen in heavy usage the last couple days, the Cubs opted to swap out a couple arms for today’s game against the Reds.
Cubs add a fresh arm to bullpen after two heavy bullpen games in a row. RHP James Norwood recalled from AAA, and RHP Rowan Wick optioned to same affiliate.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) May 24, 2019
Wick actually looked good yesterday despite the results, but only he, Kyle Ryan, and Carl Edwards Jr. have minor league options, so apparently the Cubs decided the latter two were the best bets to contribute this weekend. Unless there’s an injury, Wick cannot return for 10 days.
Norwood, 25, wasn’t getting quite the results Wick was at Iowa, but he certainly has big league stuff. He looked the part in 11 big league appearances last year, and – like so many big stuff guys at the AAA level – just needs command to be a contributor. He currently sports a 31.8% strikeout rate at Iowa, and an 8.8% walk rate. And I suppose, when the league average ERA is well over 5.00, his 4.95 ERA isn’t quite as bad as it looks.
I like Norwood. He’s in that Maples/Mekkes/Wick group of arms that could absolutely be long-time big league relievers – even impactful ones – if it all clicks. For right now, though, he’s more likely to be a rotational type, shuffling in and out of the big league bullpen as needs arise.
Of course, hey, if he dominates right out of the gate, maybe he buys himself some leash.