Chicago Cubs’ have a lot of starting pitching depth in the minors

Another wave of arms

Rob Zastryzny

In 2016 Rob Zastryzny pitched in eight games, including one start for the Chicago Cubs and he only gave up two earned runs. Additionally, he pitched well in 23 other starts for Triple-A Iowa. However, Zastryzny spent most of 2017 dealing with an injury. He only appeared in 17 games at the Triple-A level, ten of them starts. Zastryzny did get called up to the majors again, but he wasn’t nearly as successful (8.31 ERA).

Luke Farrell

Luke Farrell spent 2017 bouncing around from team to team. On July 28, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased him from the Royals. On August 9th the Cincinnati Reds claimed him on waivers from the Dodgers. And on October 4th the Cubs claimed him off of waivers from the Reds.

During all of those stops, Farrell ended up pitching a ton. He combined to appear in 40 games, made 37 starts and pitched 218 2/3 innings. 13 of those innings were in the majors with both the Royals and Reds. In total, he managed a 5.54 ERA. That’s not great, but he was much better at the end season with the Reds. There he pitched 10 1/3 innings to a 2.61 ERA.

Michael Roth

Michael Roth is the Chicago Cubs opening day starting pitcher. For spring training. The lefty didn’t pitch in the major leagues in 2017. However, he has pitched 36 innings and made one start in the major leagues. Last season he pitched 111 2/3 innings in 25 appearances including 20 starts to a 4.84 ERA at the Triple-A level.

Some of these guys aren’t likely to be in the Cubs system past this season. But this year they offer depth to the starting rotation that was nearly non-existent in recent years.