Cubs pitching coach reveals how Edward Cabrera is preparing for sudden role change

The Chicago Cubs' bullpen is leaking oil and for as much as the Cubs need the trio of Jacob Webb, Daniel Palencia, and Ryan Zeferjahn to be both healthy and effective, it's hard to completely ignore the idea that the Cubs will need help from an unlikely source before they reach the playoffs.

Shelby Miller is the name that comes to mind, considering he has been on a minor-league assignment since the start of August. Not to mention, his emergence as a high-leverage relief pitcher last season before he underwent Tommy John surgery. Even Justin Steele has entered the conversation, considering he started a minor-league rehab assignment on Wednesday.

The other option who figures to be in the mix is Edward Cabrera. Now, if a Cubs fan was told at the start of the season that hopes in the bullpen would hinge on the return of Cabrera, they would have guessed that something has gone terribly wrong.

That guess would've been accurate. The first year of Cabrera as a pitcher in the Cubs' starting rotation has been a disappointment. It's been marred by injuries and ineffective pitches, and that has forced the Cubs back to the drawing board.

Edward Cabrera could be the X-factor for fixing the Cubs' bullpen before the playoffs

Now, the plan for Cabrera once he returns from his latest blister issue is to pitch out of the bullpen. One, it's essentially a hail mary attempt by the Cubs, hoping that Cabrera could stabilize the group. Two, it would seem that the Cubs are also hoping that pitching short bursts out of the bullpen also removes the concern of his blister issues returning.

Cabrera started a minor-league rehab assignment earlier this week, Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy detailed the exact plan for his return.

Cabrera pitched an inning of relief on Tuesday for the Iowa Cubs, giving up one run on four hits while striking out two. Speaking with The Spiegel and Holmes show on Wednesday, Craig Counsell suggested the plan was for Cabrera to have two more appearances before a return to the Cubs is considered.

The reality of the situation is that the Cubs have to find something that works in their bullpen. It's become what they currently have is not working. That's not to say that Cabrera should be expected to have success as a reliever, but at this point, the Cubs are running out of the options. They have to do something.

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