Cubs make the most predictable roster move ever with latest pitching staff shake-up

The Chicago Cubs have seen enough. Well, really they just wanted a fresh arm ahead of Tuesday night's series opener against the Athletics, but it's safe to say Jordan Wicks did himself no favors in his pair of fill-in spot starts with the team.

Over those two outings, in which he allowed 11 runs on 13 hits over 6 1/3 frames, Wicks showed a complete ineffectiveness when the team needed him most - and, at this point, I think we all need to acknowledge he no longer has a place in the big-league club's long-term plans.

Cubs recall Tyler Ferguson, who was acquired in a trade last month

Anyway. That's not why we're here. The Cubs optioned Wicks back to Triple-A Iowa, recalling right-hander Tyler Ferguson to take his place on the 26-man roster. If you'll recall, Chicago acquired the 32-year-old from the A's in exchange for cash considerations just under a month ago, and now he'll potentially get the chance to face his former team in his debut with his new club.

Over the last two years, Ferguson carried a 3.73 FIP and 102 ERA+ across 104 appearances with the Athletics, overcoming a brutal walk rate of more than 12 percent to limit the damage and build a respectable body of work. The hope is he can continue to induce the weak contact hitters mustered against him last year, allowing the Cubs' defense to work behind him. But limiting free passes will be important regardless.

Last season, the veteran leaned heavily on a four-seamer + sweeper combo (accounted for nearly two-thirds of his pitches), mixing in a sinker, cutter and change-up, as well. As the Cubs inch closer to full(ish) strength on the pitching side of things, Ferguson will look to carve out a spot in the bullpen, which has been a pleasant bright spot of late, despite the team's overall struggles.

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