An immaculate inning just turned this Cubs deadline move into a statement

Things weren't looking great for Jed Hoyer as the Chicago Cubs headed into their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Specifically, Hoyer's trade deadline decisions were beginning to look like a failure with Michael Soroka landing on the IL, and Andrew Kittredge having a 4-run appearance on Tuesday while taking the loss.

Despite Kittredge's struggles on Tuesday night, Craig Counsell wasted no time in giving the Cubs' newest bullpen addition a shot at redemption. Kittredge took the mound for the Cubs in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Reds. With the Cubs holding onto a 2-0 lead, it was a chance for Kittredge to earn some trust back, and he did so in historic fashion.

Kittredge had an immaculate inning on Wednesday, striking out all three of the batters he faced on a total of nine pitches.

An immaculate inning might’ve just redeemed the Cubs’ bold deadline bet

With Cubs fans seeing names like Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and David Bednar moved at the deadline, there was some disappointment that Kittredge and Taylor Rogers were the only relievers that the Cubs came away with.

Hoyer was part of the same Cubs' front office that bolstered their bullpen with the trade for Aroldis Chapman at the trade deadline in 2016, and the moves he made this season felt like he was once again kicking the can down the road on the Cubs going all-in. Not an ideal outcome when you consider the Cubs only have two guaranteed months left of having Kyle Tucker on their roster.

It's going to take more than an immaculate inning for Cubs fans to feel like the season is back on track, but the performance by Kittredge on Wednesday is certainly an encouraging sign. If nothing else, just to confirm what we all know in that the former Baltimore Orioles' reliever is a better option in the Cubs' bullpen than Ryan Pressly.

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