Chicago Cubs’ bullpen is taking on a whole new look
![Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers in the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers in the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcubbiescrib-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F07-2Faroldis-chapman-mlb-new-york-yankees-cleveland-indians-850x560-aeb304f9d3520062c05deef4e9bae409.jpg)
Carl Edwards Jr.
Edwards has earned the nickname ‘middle inning closer’ from Joe Maddon and he’s proven his worth in just a short time since coming up from Triple-A Iowa.
In 14 innings of work, Edwards has struck out 16 batters and posted a 1.93 ERA. With electric stuff and a fastball that reaches around 96-97 consistently but gets into the upper 90s, Edwards is a power arm in a smaller package, as Maddon joked recently that he weighs “140 pounds”.
The Cubs aren’t going to over-use Edwards, as Maddon has noted on occasion. This is a guy you want to keep fresh and uses him in specialty roles when you are in a bind perhaps in the fifth or sixth inning, and the momentum of the game is hanging in the balance.
This is a guy who can come in and blow hitters away with his fastball and also get them with his stuff. He’ll be a valuable piece of the bullpen late in the season.
Next: Strop