Chicago Cubs: Potential rotation options while Brett Anderson is out

May 6, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Brett Anderson (37) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Brett Anderson (37) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 14, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction – Brewers player misidentified in original) Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Brett Anderson (37) throws in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction – Brewers player misidentified in original) Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Brett Anderson (37) throws in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson’s role may not be over yet

Brett Anderson may be on thin ice, but I don’t think the Cubs are quite ready to give up on him entirely. When he comes back from the DL, don’t be surprised if the Cubs insert him into the rotation again.

Ideally you’d like to see what he can do while fully healthy. Whether or not he reaches that point is anybody’s guess. It’s not likely you’ll see Anderson in the bullpen at any point, either, so this is basically a starter-or-bust scenario for him.

The Cubs’ investment in Anderson wasn’t a risky one, but if there’s still a chance they could capitalize on it, they might give him a little longer.

The leash is short and getting shorter, but expect to see Anderson get a couple more starts to prove himself when he comes back off the DL.

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