Chicago Cubs host 39 pitchers in early weeks of camp

The next wave

Should something happen to one of these pitchers, the Chicago Cubs have several options. Rob Zastryzny is slated to be a starter at Triple-A Iowa. With the rotation possibly losing two players after 2017, the team will need long-term options. Zastryzny performed well for the team in left-handed relief last year and has the stuff to start.

Chicago Cubs

Two veterans that will hopefully provide depth are Jim Henderson and Fernando Rodriguez. Henderson’s first two seasons with Milwaukee were fantastic, including 28 saves in 2013. Rodriguez returned to Oakland in 2015 after spending 2014 in Triple-A, and went on to made 90 appearance combined in the last two years with an ERA under 4.00.

Other possible players in the next wave are Felix Pena, Jake Buchanan, David Rollins and Eddie Butler. Of these players, Rollins is worth noting.

This offseason alone, in what appeared as a game of hot-potato, Rollins was the subject of five waiver claims. He bounced from Seattle to the Cubs, to the Texas, then Philadelphia, back to Texas and then back to the Cubs.

He showed potential in the minors, but the left-hander struggled in two seasons with Seattle. Also, IButler has a chance to be a starter in the future. After are a few rough years in Colorado, a fresh start may be just what he needs.