Chicago Cubs: 3 things we learned about this team in April

Cubs: 3 things we learned in April: A sneaky good bullpen is a big asset

In recent years, if there’s one thing the Cubs front office has consistently done well, it’s find some diamonds in the rough when assembling a bullpen. 2022 is proving to be no different, with veteran right-hander David Robertson settling into the closer’s role, tossing 10 scoreless frames to open the season.

Scott Efforts boasts 12 punchouts and a .194 batting average against in 10 innings, Rowan Wick has been sharp and Keegan Thompson has been otherworldly in a long-relief role early on. It’s been a nice mix of youth and experience, with all kinds of arsenals and looks being trotted out on a nightly basis.

The big concern here will be whether or not Cubs starters can begin working deeper into games to take some stress off the bullpen. Starters have 97 2/3 innings under their belts while relievers have 91 1/3. Hopefully that balance starts skewing more heavily in favor of the rotation sooner rather than later.

For now, though, the bullpen has carried its weight – and has somewhat quietly been a real asset to David Ross here in the first month of the season.