Chicago Cubs Minor League Recap: Zac Rosscup out three months

Things are starting to look up for the minor league affiliates of the Chicago Cubs. An offensive explosion and the timely contributions of the top organizational prospects have the fans buzzing. We cover the winning ways and the loss of an experienced arm on this week’s The Call-up.

Strong week by affiliates shows promise

It’s still early, but Cub fans are starting to get spoiled by all the winning that this franchise is racking up. Not to be outshined by the big leaguers, the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliates had a strong week overall posting some impressive wins and a few lopsided scores.

The Iowa Cubs took advantage of the streaking hitters on its roster and recorded two wins this past week scoring 10 or more runs. That achievement was capped off by the 17-2 pounding they laid on Reno Saturday night.

The I-Cubs are being powered by the strong effort of catcher Willson Contreras, center fielder Albert Almora, and first basemen Dan Vogelbach, who are all hitting over .330 with well over 100 plate appearances.

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The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are riding a four-game win streak and seem to be catching their stride just in time for the hot weather to arrive. South Bend is streaking as well, winners of their last three. The Class-A Cubs highlighted their successful week with a 15-2 victory over Lansing on Friday.

A franchise that is overloaded with talent is starting to see the benefits at all levels. For some of these players, their chance will come but it could be at the expense of a trade somewhere else. For now, players and fans are enjoying the ride and hope it carries deep into the summer.

Zac Rosscup out three months

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Zac Rosscup will probably not see game action in 2016. After injuring his shoulder, Rosscup was placed on the 60-day disabled list in February. On Friday, Rosscup underwent Arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder that will shut him down for three months.

The procedure was successful but the 27-year-old southpaw won’t be able to resume throwing until mid-August. By then, chances are the Cubs won’t be in dire need of his services. The early success of the team leaves the possibility that Rosscup can use the remainder of 2016 to get as healthy as possible before getting into games that matter.

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Originally drafted in 2009 by the Tampa Bay Rays, Rosscup was traded to the Cubs in 2011 as a part of the deal that sent Chris Archer to Tampa in exchange for Matt Garza. No stranger to the big leagues, the Oregon-native has seen Major League action is each of the past three seasons.

Although he was never part of the bullpen core, Rosscup earned his stripes by eating valuable innings and filling in multiple roles, especially in 2013 and 2014 when the team was not competing.

Once he returns to rehab, Rosscup will be assigned to a minor league affiliate to begin his comeback.

Minor League Round-up

Iowa Cubs (18-17) 3rd place in the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

Last Week: (5-2), This Week: @Reno Aces May 15th-17th, @Tacoma Rainiers May 19th-21st

Tennessee Smokies (17-20) 4th place in the Southern League North Division

Last Week: (2-5), This Week: vs. Birmingham Barons May 15th-18th, vs. Biloxi Shuckers May 19th-21st

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (20-15) 2nd place in the Carolina League Southern Division

Last Week: (4-2), This Week: @Frederick Keys May 15th-16th, vs. Winston-Salem Dash May 17th-19th, vs. Lynchburg Hillcats May 20th-21st

South Bend Cubs (21-14) 2nd place in the Midwest League Eastern Division

Last Week: (4-2), This Week: @Lansing Lugnuts May 15th, @Great Lakes Loons May 17th-19th, @Lake County Captains May 20th-21st

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