Chicago Cubs News: Anderson named fifth starter; Henderson released

The Chicago Cubs helped to clarify the pitching pitcher on Thursday with a few moves and decisions. Brett Anderson was named to the rotation, while Jim Henderson was released. Several other pitchers were reassigned to Iowa or minor league camp.

One of the few big questions for the Chicago Cubs this spring has been answered. Brett Anderson will be the Cubs fifth starter, moving Mike Montgomery to the bullpen to assume a middle-relief/swingman role. While the Cubs and Joe Maddon will go with this rotation to start the season, there are no guarantees it will end up this way. Between Maddon and Anderson’s injury issues throughout his career, anything can happen.

The Cubs cleaned up the picture of the staff by naming Anderson to the rotation, as well as several other moves they made on Thursday. Jim Henderson was released while five other pitchers were optioned or assigned to minor league camp. One of the highlights for the Cubs of this spring in David Rollins was assigned to minor league camp. He’s yet to allow a run this spring.

Kyle Hendricks was a surprise Cy Young candidate, at least to many. Can Hendricks repeat his performance of last season, or does he even need to? It would be unfair to call it a “regression to the mean”, as Hendricks has shown what he can do in each year in the big leagues. But expecting him to pitch to a 2.13 ERA might be a little much.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Why Anderson should be the fifth starter’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Henderson released, Candelario optioned to Iowa’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Can Hendricks keep the pace in 2017?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘CSN tabs DeJesus to join Kap as co-host’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Bryant returns to high school as Cubs play in Vegas’ – Cubbies Crib

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