Chicago Cubs: Five prospects who could help the Cubs in 2017
![Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate with W flags after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate with W flags after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-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/CubbiesCrib-cover-4fe2728efa749ff83fe7013d3f1fbcd8.jpg)
Rob Zastryzny, LHP
The Cubs are in need of left-handed relief pitching. The only lefties in the Cubs bullpen right now are Mike Montgomery and Brian Duensing. While Montgomery has been solid (2.79 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings), Duensing has been the opposite. In 3 1/3 innings pitched, Duensing has allowed four earned runs and two home runs.
Zastryzny can fix the Cubs right-handed heavy bullpen. The 25-year-old Zastryzny joined the Cubs in 2016, and appeared in eight games (one start). In those eight appearances, Zastryzny was solid. He posted a 1.12 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched.
Zastryzny’s numbers go deeper than earned run average and strikeout totals. The lefty held opposing left-handed batters to a .138/.194/.138 slash-line, while holding all opposing hitters to a .207/.273/.224 line.
Even though Zastryzny is off to a slow start in Triple-A (7.71 ERA in 9 1/3 innings pitched), he can still be a solid lefty option for the Cubs moving forward.