Cubs continue to laugh off obvious move, stick with revolving door in the bullpen

The Chicago Cubs are taking an aggressive approach when it comes to the spots to fill in their bullpen.

The latest case of that was Ethan Roberts quickly being optioned to Triple-A Iowa after he imploded against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. In his outing on Saturday, Roberts gave up 4 runs on 3 hits and 1 walk while pitching two innings of work. Considering it after a 6-run outing by Ben Brown, the Cubs likely were just looking for someone to eat up innings without depleting the bullpen.

With Roberts being optioned to Triple-A, the Cubs are bringing up a fresh arm ahead of the team's game against the Phillies on Sunday night. Recently acquired left-handed relief pitcher Tom Cosgrove will be taking Roberts' spot in the bullpen.

When the Cubs acquired Cosgrove from the San Diego Padres earlier this season, there was a feeling that he would eventually find his way to the Major League level. Despite his struggles with the Padres at the Major League level in recent stints, Cosgrove has been finding some success with the Iowa Cubs. The lefty has pitched 4 scoreless innings with the I-Cubs this season with 7 strikeouts.

Middle relievers in the Cubs' bullpen are going to have a short leash this season given the depth that the team has acquired. If pitcher, like Roberts, is struggling at the Major League level, the Cubs will move quickly to have another in their place.

Cubs continue to throw darts at the wall for their bullpen

Short of Ryan Pressly needing to have his knee drained, the Cubs are beginning to find some stability near the backend of their bullpen. The issue is that the Cubs keep recasting Major League rejects when it comes to their middle relievers.

Eventually, you would think that the Cubs would give old friend, David Robertson, a call. Robertson remains a free agent despite posting a 3.00 ERA with the Texas Rangers last season. For ease of mind, the Cubs signing the veteran would go a long way toward the team having stability in their bullpen.