NEW YORK — Right-hander Adbert Alzolay is eyeing a return to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation.
First he needed to get through Thursday’s pregame bullpen session. A blister on his right middle finger landed Alzolay on the injured list. He is eligible to come off the IL on Friday, but the Cubs wanted to see how the finger responded to a more gamelike bullpen session before slotting him back in the rotation.
Early indications are encouraging. Alzolay said he “went heavy” on spinning his slider in the bullpen and felt good without any blister-related issues. He estimated he threw 30-32 pitches.
“The intensity in the bullpen was really high so I’m happy with it,” Alzolay said before the Cubs’ game at the New York Mets on Thursday. “I threw all my pitches and the blister has been taken care of with the trainers and everything. I feel ready to go.”
Alzolay’s goal is to come off the IL and start a game during the Cubs’ upcoming five-game homestand. He is not listed among the starters for the weekend series versus the Miami Marlins; right-hander Zach Davies, Jake Arrieta and Alec Mills have been declared the probable pitchers for those games. The Cubs will need a starter for Monday’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians after optioning right-hander Robert Stock to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.
Manager David Ross didn’t commit to what path the Cubs will take with Alzolay.
“We’ll continue to progress forward and we’ll see how Adbert presents (Friday),” Ross said. “Make sure the finger’s OK and try to start forming a plan of when he’ll get back on the mound and competition, whether he needs a couple batters or we ease him back in at this level.”
Right-hander Trevor Williams (appendectomy) also threw a bullpen session Thursday, which lasted 25 pitches. His extended absence has contributed to the Cubs’ starting pitching depth being tested. Mills’ versatility continues to be an asset for Ross, who can use him in a variety of roles.
“Depth is gold and very valuable to us, so Mills gives us that a guy that has a track record of starting and having success in the big leagues and throwing a no-hitter even,” Ross said. “So we all are really comfortable with Alec when he takes the mound and giving us length and an ability to keep us in the game and give us a chance to win. It’s a very nice piece.”
Alzolay said it has been tough being sidelined the last 10 days and not being able to contribute. He credited his teammates for helping him keep his mind right through this stretch. Alzolay has used the downtime to watch how other Cubs pitchers approach their work and throwing programs, specifically mentioning Hendricks’ and Arrieta’s routines.
Ross lauded Alzolay for his attitude and “crushing the weight room” on non-throwing days.
“He’s found his routine as a big leaguer, found his ability to stay ready, he’s done a really nice job with that,” Ross said. “He’s rooting guys on, he’s good energy in the dugout. We definitely miss his performance out there on the mound when he’s right, but he’s done nothing but try to get back as fast as he possibly can.”
The injury hasn’t stopped Alzolay from regularly posting upbeat messages on Twitter either.
“It’s always important because I feel that keeps my confidence there too,” Alzolay said. “It just makes me keep going, seeing the people responding back to me on my posts. I like all that stuff.”
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June 18, 2021 at 07:34AM
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Adbert Alzolay: Cubs pitcher hopes to come off IL soon - Chicago Tribune
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