Chicago Cubs host 39 pitchers in early weeks of camp

Non-Roster Invitees

Of the 24 non-roster players the Cubs invited to camp, 14 were pitchers. A few were mentioned previously, but here is the full list:

Andury Acevedo, Maikel Cleto, Concepcion, Daniel Corcino, James Farris, Frankoff, Henderson, Casey Kelly, Jhondaniel Medina, Conor Mullee, Manny Parra, Rodriquez and Zac Rosscup.

Here is what you need to know about these players:

Rosscup came the Chicago Cubs in a trade with Tampa Bay, in which they sent Chris Archer packing. Like Concepcion, Rosscup is returning to the club after not being tendered a contract. He pitched in 61 big league games with mixed results. A shoulder injury kept him from playing in 2016 and, hence, he faces long-shot odds.

Another non-tendered player returning is Conor Mullee. Claimed from the New York Yankees in 2016, Mullee has the potential to be a setup man in the future. In 103 Minor League games, he pitched 162 1/3 innings, converted 14 of 19 saves, held batters to a .206 average and finished with a 2.00 ERA. The talent is there, but injuries are a cause for concern.

Parra is a former Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds pitcher that moved from starting to the bullpen. Kelly was packaged with Anthony Rizzo in the Adrian Gonzalez trade to Boston from San Diego.  However, both Kelly and Parra are coming off Tommy John surgery.