Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay called up, Tim Collins DFA’d

Following the waiting game, the Chicago Cubs are officially calling up Adbert Alzolay, one of the clubs top pitching prospects, to the Show. The future is here, and fans should be excited.

It is official. According to reports from Chris Emma of 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs will be bringing Adbert Alzolay to the show on Thursday. Bringing the fire from Triple-A Iowa, Alzolay will be backing up Tyler Chatwood out of the bullpen when the New York Mets and Walker Lockett come to town. In a corresponding move, Tim Collins was designated for assignment.

Alzolay is currently ranked as the Cubs’ number four overall prospect. He has worked his way from High-A Myrtle Beach to Iowa in a matter of starts and is making the most of his opportunity when it comes to those starts. Now, Alzolay will have his first chance at making an immediate impact for the Wrigley faithful.

Chicago Cubs: What should fans expect?

One of the wildest stat lines that fans can understand is that of Alzolay’s single start while at High-A. After making his one start for the Pelicans, Alzolay finished four innings while allowing five earned runs, two free passes, and three strikeouts.

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Once Alzolay arrived in Iowa, everything changed. Since making his Triple-A debut, Alzolay has made six starts. During those starts, Alzolay has managed to post a way-above-average 3.09 ERA after giving up many runs in his High-A start.

Outside of his solid ERA, Alzolay is also averaging an insane 36.5% strikeout rate while maintaining just a 4.8% walk rate. Of the additional statistics, Alzolay has managed to keep both his FIP and xFIP down to just 3.10 and 3.49, respectively.

Chicago Cubs: Experiencing his first shot

With the Cubs’ rotation moving in the right direction there is little to no reason to insert Alzolay into the starting rotation immediately. The excitement that comes with Alzolay will be unbridled by comparison to other top-of-the-line prospects.

Alzolay has been lights out for the Cubs during his time in the minor league system. This season is an excellent example of his production and why Alzolay is receiving his chance to the big leagues. His high strikeout rate will hopefully play well out of the bullpen throughout the series with the Mets.

Chicago Cubs: What does the future hold?

The future is an interesting one for the Wrigley faithful. With several top players getting ready to enter into free-agency, the future is so, which means Alzolay needs to make an immediate impact with his opportunity in which he is being bequeathed. If he can continue at his torrid pace of which he is accomplishing, there is the chance that it could, in fact, happen sooner than later.

The Cubs’ rotation is aging, and there is a real opportunity that someone could be stepping into a significant time role in making up opportunities on the mound. With Brailyn Marquez not quite ready, Alzolay could easily transition into a starting role sooner rather than later. The future is bright for the lanky righty, and it is still only a matter of time before that future comes to fruition.