Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay’s potential impact on 2019 pitching staff

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Adbert Alzolay was on the cusp of joining the Chicago Cubs in 2018. Coming off on an injury, how will he impact the 2019 pitching staff if promoted?

Chicago Cubs hurler Adbert Alzolay seemed ready to make his MLB debut during the 2018 season. But a lat injury sidelined the right-hander, costing him a shot at earning his first taste of big league action.

Alzolay is the Chicago Cubs’ No. 2 overall prospect and highest-ranked pitcher in the farm system. After starting 2018 with Triple-A Iowa, the 23-year-old Alzolay posted a 4.76 ERA (2.12 in three April starts, 6.75 in five May starts).

The Cubs shut him down in June, giving him plenty of time to recover and not push the injury in an unnecessary way. His getting sidelined came at an unfortunate time for both Alzolay and the Cubs.

For the young pitcher, it meant his MLB debut would be put off until at least 2019. For the Cubs, losing Alzolay turned out to be one of many blows to the team’s pitching staff in 2018.