Chicago Cubs: Potential rotation options while Brett Anderson is out

Eddie Butler

Despite having one of the youngest lineups in baseball, the Chicago Cubs currently feature the oldest rotation in the league. A trade for a young, effective and cost-controlled starter is something the fans have wanted for a while. I think the organization will try to do something on that front at some point this season.

But for now, an in-house option might be the best way to go.

Look no further than Eddie Butler. Acquired via trade with the Colorado Rockies during the offseason, he is viewed as a reclamation project. A former top prospect and first-round pick for the Rockies, Butler’s potential never materialized into success. Having only pitched 159 1/3 career innings at the big league level, he is still something of a mystery. At 26-years-old, there’s still a chance for him yet; and he could be just what the Cubs need right now.

Butler pitched well during Spring Training and has looked impressive at the Triple-A level in Iowa this season. With the Iowa Cubs, Butler is 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA over the course of 30 2/3 innings pitched across five starts. With a 1.11 WHIP and a 3.52 FIP, Butler looks ready for the majors again.

With Anderson missing time, this could be Butler’s chance.