Chicago Cubs: How Tyler Chatwood can be useful in 2019

Chicago Cubs: Is it possible you’ll see this to start any ballgames in 2019?

As unlikely as it seems, Tyler Chatwood could start games in 2019 for the Chicago Cubs.  Before you call me crazy, just look at what happened last year.  Pitchers get hurt.  Pitchers are ineffective.  This can happen to starters and relievers alike.  Yu Darvish hasn’t exactly been the epitome of health, and Cole Hamels and Jon Lester are both 35 years old.

If Chatwood proves himself capable in the spring, he will indubitably be the next man up with any injury to the starting rotation.  While Mike Montgomery was used as a starter and has that ability as well, his effectiveness out of the pen would more than likely mean Chatwood would get that shot to start as he is less familiar with coming out of the pen.

It’s not a stretch to say that the Cubs will need someone other than the current five guys in the rotation, and there is every possibility they may go to a six man rotation at some point in the season to keep guys fresh anyway.  The right-hander could conceivably turn a very disappointing 2018 into a second chance to impress in 2019.