Chicago Cubs need starting pitching, but it’s still complicated

Chicago Cubs: What to do with Darvish

Here’s where it gets interesting. Yu Darvish has thrown just 40 innings thus far, and after another setback to a lingering triceps injury, there is no timetable for a return.

Darvish has been throwing off flat ground recently, but with the deadline approaching rapidly, it might be best to move forward with the assumption that Darvish won’t be a part of the fold this season.

If the Cubs decide to go out and land a big-name arm such as Happ, Hamels or deGrom, it might be best to shut Darvish down for this season to give him an opportunity to be healthy and confident going into 2019.

The Cubs have too much invested in Darvish to let him fall apart in year one of a six-year deal. When Darvish finishes his rehab, he would probably only have about three to six starts to get ready for the postseason. I don’t think this is enough time for him to get himself ready both mentally and physically for a playoff run.

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It’s time for the Cubs to get an arm to team with Lester, Hendricks and Quintana for the remainder of the season. If anything, I could see Darvish being in intriguing option out of the bullpen in October, especially given his swing-and-miss stuff.