The Cubs have named Kyle Hendricks their CACTUS LEAGUE opening day starter, but the nod also lines him up for the real thing. Meanwhile, at camp today …
If Rowan Wick isn’t even playing catch yet, he’s definitely not going to be ready for Opening Day:
Rowan Wick (intercostal injury) has not yet started playing catch. Hottovy said he’s still progressing with rehab and agreed with assessment that Wick being ready for Opening Day might be an “ambitious” goal. They’re taking it day to day with him.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) February 25, 2021
On the one hand, you hate to be without one of your best relievers for any portion of the season. On the other hand, if you ARE going to be missing him, better that it come at the beginning of the season when you’re sorting out some of the roster, and flexibility might be especially helpful. Throw in the fact that you couldn’t necessarily expect 60+ outings from Wick this year anyway, and this might not be terrible. Plus, the volume of bullpen options right now – interesting ones! – is really substantial. I’m pretty calm about it so far, despite his importance.
Also, if Wick is going to miss a chunk of April in any case, the Cubs will have the option of putting him on the 60-day IL to open up a spot for someone else on the 40-man roster.
Speaking of which, if Cameron Maybin (or another non-roster invitee) is to make the team, the Cubs will eventually have to open up a spot (two, actually, for whenever Kyle Ryan returns):
From Cubs: OF Cameron Maybin has officially been added to camp. Signed as a non-roster invitee, but would think he has a solid shot at making the roster. Cubs loved what he added to the fold on/off field down stretch last year.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 25, 2021
I, too, would tell my parents if I homered off of Jake Arrieta:
Bryant's reaction to this HR off Arrieta in live BP:
"Called my dad and mom and told them I hit a homer and it felt really cool today.” https://t.co/CoMwN0BODq
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 25, 2021
Adbert Alzolay still learning at every opportunity:
Adbert Alzolay taking in Jake Arrieta’s live BP with Mike Borzello. pic.twitter.com/WPEGZVGtTe
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) February 25, 2021
We saw the Arrieta BP videos earlier, and Craig Kimbrel got in some live BP action, apparently making the Cubs batters feel bad:
Kimbrel got a few swings and misses with his offspeed today: pic.twitter.com/sELlkLzBXj
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) February 25, 2021
Kimbrel vs. Bryant pic.twitter.com/epAlhNFtUO
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 25, 2021
A round of shots of Craig Kimbrel from today's live BP session. pic.twitter.com/1mggVNVtAh
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 25, 2021
Sure, it was just live BP, but Craig Kimbrel was sharp vs. the heart of the Cubs' lineup. Knuckle-curve looked good in today's mound session. Here's a swing and miss to Joc Pederson. pic.twitter.com/WfjS0JS4PH
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 25, 2021
All-time ERA record-older:
New shutdown lefty in the bullpen. pic.twitter.com/kZKRAVJjsJ
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 25, 2021
Random Javy Báez BP booooooommmbbbbbb:
How far did it fly? pic.twitter.com/hiDtk87jOu
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 25, 2021
Old friend:
Glenbrook North’s very own Jason Kipnis, the Braves version. pic.twitter.com/NhhzkOUfS2
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 25, 2021
Doing good from afar:
Thank you to the @Cubs and @ATMills37 for helping us all #CubTogether, by providing our patients with some virtual one-on-one time yesterday. Our patients were thrilled about the opportunity to ask questions about baseball and Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/WjoAop5gQh
— Advocate Children's Hospital (@AdvocateKids) February 25, 2021
Spring Training memories:
Five years ago today, the Cubs pulled off the sneakiest signing reveal ever. Dexter Fowler, who had reportedly just signed with the Orioles … showed up out of nowhere at Cubs camp. He was back. pic.twitter.com/zAYa4OpGdy
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 25, 2021
More visuals …
Last round of photos from Thursday's workout in Mesa. pic.twitter.com/puA5ogsgN3
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 25, 2021
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2021
Join us at #Cubs camp, #Boysofspring we have the photos! https://t.co/42tZAak9uN @yungjoc650 @Christo66021711 @JSMarisnick @MeLlamoTrevor pic.twitter.com/4yIXnBVZuh
— Tim Sheridan (@BoysOfSpring) February 24, 2021