Silva To The DL, As Cubs Bring Up Young Guns

The Chicago Cubs have placed struggling pitcher Carlos Silva on the 15 day disabled list for an irregular heartbeat. Silva, who was hospitalized overnight, has since left the hospital and is back in Chicago. Silva lasted only 16 pitches in his start yesterday, before having to leave the game with an irregular heartbeat. The Cubs have promoted Thomas Diamond, and Casey Coleman to round out the Cubs 25 Man roster. The Ted Lilly trade opened up one spot, and with Silva going on the DL, it opened up a second spot.

Thomas Diamond Will likely be given the rest of the year to audition for the Cubs starting rotation next year. As, he is being called up to replace Ted Lilly’s spot in the rotation. Diamond,27, was the first round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2004. His path to the majors hit a snag in 2007, when he had Tommy John surgery in March of that year.

On the year in triple A Iowa, Diamond posted a 5-4 record while having an ERA of 3.16. In 21 starts, Diamond has struck out 104 in 108 1/3 innings. Opposing hitters are hitting .218 off him.

At one point, Diamond was a can’t miss pitching prospect within the Rangers organizations. However, as he had Tommy John surgery in 2007, the Rangers quickly gave up on him and Designated him for assignment, and the Cubs then claimed him off waivers. Since being with the Cubs, Diamond has stayed healthy and his produced really well for Triple A Iowa. He made the triple A all star game, and was the starter for the Pacific Coast League. Diamond’s repertoire consists of a mid 90’s fastball, with an above average changeup, and a good slider.

As for Casey Coleman, he has received high praise from within the Cubs Organization. He was selected by the Cubs in 2008 in the 15th round of the draft. He was named Cubs Minor League Pitcher of year for 2009. And, Ryne Sandberg, whose managed him for the past two years, compared his pitching skills to those of Greg Maddux.

With Silva being placed on the DL, it is likely that Coleman will fill in the rotation. However, his role has not yet been determined by the Chicago Cubs. So far, he has started 20 games for the Iowa Cubs and has produced a record of 10-7 with a 4.07 ERA.  Coleman does not rely on any fast moving pitches, he relies on quality control of his pitches. Which is why he has been compared to Greg Maddux.

This probably begins the “wave” of young players the Cubs are expected to bring up over the next two months.