Chicago Cubs: A healthy Yu Darvish could be a shot in the arm for staff

After a seemingly successful bullpen session, Chicago Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish appears to be one step closer toward rejoining the starting rotation.

As the Chicago Cubs continue their pursuit of a third consecutive division crown, Yu Darvish continues his rehab from an injury that sidelined him in late May. This weekend, though, we got the first real ‘good’ news regarding the Japanese right-hander.

After throwing a bullpen session on Saturday, Darvish said he was ‘optimistic’ about the process. In previous comments, that word had hardly been uttered by either him or folks within the organization.

Having made just eight starts in the first season of his six-year, $126 million contract, most fans have moved on from Yu Darvish. That rang even more true once Theo Epstein went out and added Cole Hamels at the deadline, giving Chicago another rotation piece.

But, despite what many think, a healthy, productive Yu Darvish could be the missing piece in the final two months of the season. If he slots into the rotation and delivers, it may give the Cubs just what they lack as October nears – a fresh shutdown arm.

Chicago Cubs: A shot in the arm for the rotation

As Jon Lester eyes his 13th win of the season on Sunday, the Cubs rotation continues to seek regular stability. So far in August, both Jose Quintana and Cole Hamels turned in solid performances – while Kyle Hendricks faltered late in his outing against the Padres.

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We’ve talked about it too many times to count. For the Cubs to have a shot at a second championship in three years, Quintana and Hendricks must step up and fill the void in the rotation. What void? The clear drop off between Lester and every other member of the staff.

Or do they?

If Darvish can return and get back to what he did for the Dodgers late last season, the Cubs immediately become a better team. After being traded to Los Angeles from Texas, the righty turned in nine starts in which he posted a 3.44 ERA, 11.1 K/9 and 3.38 FIP. After the inauspicious start to his career in Chicago, we’d all bow down to such a performance.

More importantly, the pecking order in the postseason would shake out a little clearer. Lester, Darvish, Hendricks, Quintana? That’s a pretty solid bunch to throw come October.