Chicago Cubs could be without Brandon Morrow for the rest of the season

Chicago Cubs: A valuable weapon that came with these risks

Let’s just call it like it is. No one complained about the Cubs’ decision to go with Morrow when he was blowing a triple-digit heater past opponents early in the season. I

In 35 appearances this season, the right-hander boasts a 1.47 ERA that benefits from the defense behind him (based on a 2.96 FIP). His 9.2 strikeouts per nine are largely in-line with what he’s done with his career, with both his walks and home runs trending above career averages.

All told, he’s been really solid when he’s on the hill. Ninth innings don’t feel the same as they did last season with Wade Davis on the mound. Don’t get me wrong, he put together a very impressive season, but he worked himself into and, promptly out of, trouble on a pretty regular basis.

Another benefit of going with Morrow in the ninth? He came at a relative steal when you look at some of the deals handed out to relievers last offseason. Chicago picked him up at just $21 million over two years with a team option for 2020.

Now, of course, you might second guess that decision. But it’s important to remember how the ‘other’ guys, including Davis, have fared in 2018.