Chicago Cubs: Examining the wave of potential September call-ups

Chicago Cubs: Dillon Maples, RHP

Dillon Maples has seen action with the Chicago Cubs in minute sample sizes over the past couple of seasons and has not performed well. In 8 2/3 career innings at the big league level, Maples has posted an 11.42 ERA with a .424 wOBA, and nine walks.

However, in his time last season with Triple-A Iowa, Maples posted a 1.96 ERA in 18 1/3 innings with a 36.4 percent strikeout rate. Maples hardly gave up any home runs as well, allowing a low 0.49 HR/9.

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In his work this season at Triple-A, Maples put up a 2.27 ERA in 35 2/3 innings pitched. Maples has also produced an incredibly solid 3.22 xFIP. Concerning his strikeout rate, Maples saw an increase in his percentage, which climbed all the way up to 42.4 percent.

Now, Maples is in the midst of an unbelievable video game-like stretch. In his last 23 appearances, Maples has not allowed an earned run. Not a single one. To understand how long it has been, we need to travel all the way back to June 6. It has been now two-plus months since Maples has allowed a run in the minor leagues.

According to the Iowa Cubs, Maples last 22 appearances include 21 innings pitched, no earned runs, 13 walks and a ridiculous 42 strikeouts.

With Brandon Morrow currently on the disabled list, the team needs depth. Dillon Maples and his 100 MPH fastball should receive the call when rosters expand.

Chicago Cubs: Randy Rosario, LHP

Rosario is someone who has seen a decent amount of time this season at the Major League level. Called up earlier in the season to assist with an overtaxed bullpen, Rosario pitched extremely well his first time around.

After the impressive spring he had, Rosario began the season at Triple-A Iowa. However, after just 21 2/3 innings pitched at Iowa, the need for depth became apparent, and the “goat” got his call. He did not disappoint.

In his 33 innings in the bigs, Rosario posted a 3.00 ERA. In this span, Rosario struggled at points but also showed his mettle. It included a small streak of five games, and seven innings pitched from the pen, without giving up a run. Recently, Rosario posted a streak of four scoreless games, ending in his shellacking a week ago. Despite the small sample sizes, Rosario has shown he can be successful.

As the season wears on, we know that bullpens find themselves completely wiped by the start of the playoffs. With a move such as promoting Rosario back to the major league club, it could help to provide more relief and depth for Brandon Morrow and Carl Edwards At the end of the day, the more arms, the better. Look for Rosario to see another call.

Chicago Cubs: Duane Underwood, RHP

Pitching is the theme, and it continues with Underwood. In a spot start versus the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this season, Underwood pitched four innings, giving up one earned run on just two hits.

While it was not the most dominant debut, and considering the circumstances, Underwood did show glimpses of what he can be for the Cubs. As we approach the final month, Underwood could have his name called once again as a depth move with the possibility of some work mixed in.

Underwoods last two starts at Triple-A Iowa have not been great, however before that he posted three straight starts of one-run ball (15 IP, 1.80 ERA).

It is no secret that the Cubs bullpen has seen its fair share of work this season. Entering Sunday, the club ranked in the top ten in all of major league baseball with 429 2/3 IP. Underwood could, at the very least, provide some additional support as the team makes their final push to October.