Chicago Cubs: Who is hot and who is not in spring

Chicago Cubs: There is not a lot of doubt guys like Kyle Hendricks will be ready for 2020, but bullpen pitchers will have a lot of eyes on them

Kyle Hendricks

The Professor has been working since January to get ready for the 2020 season. He has pitched in four games (9.0 innings) and has struck out eight batters, walked one and has a .100 average against with a 1.00 ERA. He is midseason form and should be considered for the Opening Day start in Milwaukee.

Alec Mills

The competition for the five-spot in the rotation is looking a bit more interesting now as Mills has really impressed so far this spring. Heading into Sunday, the 28-year old righty has pitched the most innings on the team (9.2) and sports a 0.93 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and seven strikeouts. Mills has made some nice spots starts with the Cubs before, but he could find a permanent role in 2020 as a starter.

Tyler Chatwood

Right now, the five-spot in the rotation is Chatwood’s to lose. So far, Chatwood’s stuff has looked very sharp and has only walked two hitters in 6.0 innings. He sports a 0.83 WHIP, .150 average against and an ERA of 3.00. Last year showed Chatwood could be a useful asset on the team, and if his command is better, he can be a tough pitcher to hit.

Jeremy Jeffress

He has only pitched in three games, but the stuff looks good. He has two strikeouts in 3.0 innings with a 0.00 ERA and no walks. If he is healthy and back to form, he could be a huge asset for the bullpen in 2020.