Chicago Cubs: Hammel does his best to make his case

Anything short of a quality start for the Chicago Cubs Jason Hammel would have certainly doomed him. But he gave the Cubs a solid start, and maybe something to think about.

I can’t say that Chicago Cubs starter Jason Hammel’s season was on the line, but how involved he would be in the postseason was. After giving up an early home run to Brandon Phillips, Hammel settled into a groove and allowed just one more run–a flare over the drawn-in infield–as he finished with a strong seven-inning outing.

With the wind blowing ever so slightly out on a warm night, Hammel was impressive. He struck out six and allowed just two hits en route to his 15th victory. I didn’t see Maddon letting him go in this one, but maybe this really was an audition. In that case, Hammel passed as he worked out of trouble before the offense came back to help give him the win.

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Early on, Hammel struggled to locate his fastball. He failed to get ahead of many of the hitters but battled back often. He eventually turned to the fastball early in counts, and the slider late to put hitters away. On a night when he didn’t have his best stuff, he did what he had to to survive.

A few more opportunities

Hammel will get a few more starts before the season is over. How Maddon utilizes him could tip his hand to if he plans on placing him on the NLDS roster. One thing is for certain. Tonight’s outing helped his case for grabbing a spot on the first-round playoff roster.

With 15 wins, Hammel ties Kyle Hendricks for second on the team in wins. Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta each have 17. The win is no longer the stat that it used to be. So the fact the Cubs won’t have a 20-game winner isn’t likely to raise any eyebrows. And when you’re on a team that has been as successful as the Cubs–starters are going to win games.

Next: Hammel, Cubs rally late for win

But 15 wins and a 3.56 ERA? When factoring in a couple of the rough starts he’s had, it shows how good Hammel has been otherwise. There are a few obvious reasons Hammel may “lose out”. If Maddon considers keeping a “swingman”, Mike Montgomery would be a better choice. He’s been effective as a sixth starter. And more importantly, he a lefty.

The mystery will continue on as we wait on Hammel’s next start. His solid effort kept him from being “eliminated”, but there is still work to be done.