Chicago Cubs: Several pitchers working their way up in the minors

Oscar De La Cruz – RHP

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Oscar De La Cruz may have had the opportunity to make the big league club by now. But injuries have sidetracked him a bit, but the talent of the big right-hander is still there.

At 6-foot-4, he’s one of the more imposing figures on the mound for the Cubs. He uses a mid to high 90’s fastball, and a curveball that is more deceptive because of his size. He will also throw a change-up into the mix, but will mostly rely on curveballs and fastballs.

In the past two seasons, he was limited by forearm soreness in 2016 as well as a pectoral strain in 2017. He managed just 12 starts last year, throwing 54 2/3 innings.

He posted a 3.46 ERA in those starts, striking out 47 while walking 13. A healthy De La Cruz would be a huge advantage for the Cubs, but due to his history, he can’t be counted on. But if he is, he could be on his way to Wrigley Field this summer.