Chicago Cubs Minors: Checking in with talent down on the farm

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Oscar De La Cruz, RHP

Oscar De La Cruz has made four starts thus far for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Cubs Single-A Advanced affiliate. In those starts, Cruz has amassed a 1-2 record with a 3.26 ERA.

The 6’4″ right-hander has tossed 19 1/3 innings, and struck out 18 opposing batters compared to just seven walks. That means Cruz has a strikeout to walk ratio of 2.57 on the young season – below his career mark of 3.69.

Cruz has only allowed one home run this season, but is averaging 11.2 hits per nine innings. That is concerning since Cruz normally averages 7.5 hits per nine innings.

The 22-year-old Cruz could be a future rotation piece for the Cubs. He is still three to four years away from reaching the majors, but if he can keep his hit totals down and his strikeout totals high, Cruz could become a solid three starter in the Cubs rotation.