Chicago Cubs recall LHP Rob Zastryzny; designate Matt Szczur

The Chicago Cubs bullpen has been used a lot this season. Because of that, the Cubs made another roster move before tonight’s Cubs-Yankees game.

The Chicago Cubs need bullpen help. With the starters failing to go deep into games, and a few extra inning games, the Cubs bullpen has been used a lot. Because of that, the Cubs were forced to used Hector Rondon to close yesterday, because Wade Davis pitched three days in a row.

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With Brett Anderson on the mound today, the Cubs decided they needed even more bullpen help. Shortly before today’s game, the Cubs recalled left-handed reliever Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, OF Matt Szczur was designated for assignment.

Szczur has been a Cub his whole professional career. Originally drafted by the Cubs in the 5th round of the 2010 draft, Szczur made his big league debut in August 2014 against the New York Mets.

Szczur has been up and down in the minors since then. He was never really able to grasp a job as a starter but has filled in nicely as a bench player. In four years with the Cubs, Szczur slashed .243/.295/.370 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. 2016 was by far the best year of his career. He slashed .259/.312/.400 with five home runs and 24 RBIs. Unfortunately, he was left off the playoff roster but did receive a World Series ring. Szczur was out of options, and most knew he likely wouldn’t last the whole season.

New Lefty

Zastryzny, 25, was drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 2013 draft. He made his big league debut on August 19, 2016. In 8 games with the Cubs last year, Zastryzny was 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA. He pitched very well for the Cubs and even made the NLCS roster, but never pitched during the playoffs.

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Zastryzny started the year in Triple-A and could be slotted into the Cubs rotation at some point this year. The Cubs are very high on Zastryzny, who is still considered a rookie.

The Cubs rotation got a little interesting today as Anderson failed to get through the first. Change could be looming, but that is for another time.