Chicago Cubs: How Tyler Chatwood can be useful in 2019

Chicago Cubs: Did Chatwood change anything up this offseason?

Given the year Chatwood turned in last time around, one would have to assume changes were coming.  To think either he or the Cubs were happy with the results they got last season is a little silly.  So, what changes have been made to ensure a repeat performance will not occur?

Through two games so far this Spring Training, Chatwood has looked sharp and, most importantly, he has only issued one free pass in five innings of work.  While it’s as short as short samples can get, there is hope in more than just this stat.

At times last season, it seemed Chatwood was extremely herky-jerky, unbalanced, and landing in extreme positions.  He was also flying open quickly as he delivered and that can often lead to wildness and inconsistency from a pitcher.

Early in Cactus League action, Chatwood seems to have cleaned up his propensity to fly open, slowed things down and closed his shoulder a bit; ultimately, he looks more balanced and fluid in the process.  Only time will tell if that trend continues and if Chatwood can continue his strike-throwing.