Cubs rotation decision against Phillies just raised big roster question they must answer

The Chicago Cubs are using an opener tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies. After Kyle Schwarber tormented Javier Assad to start Monday's game, the Cubs will be turning to left-handed relief pitcher Riley Martin to get them through the first inning of Tuesday's contest.

Martin made his debut last week when the Cubs were playing the Tampa Bay Rays and could be in the early stages of becoming a fixture in the bullpen. It's only been three appearances, but he's held opposing teams scoreless while only giving up two hits and striking out three. The strategy, in a vacuum, makes sense for the Cubs.

The problem is that it's only April 14, and the decision to use an opener may speak to the dwindling pitching depth the Cubs have. Colin Rea will likely see the lion's share of the work on Tuesday once Martin departs.

Injuries have decimated the pitching staff over the last week. Cade Horton is out for the season with a looming UCL surgery, Matthew Boyd is dealing with a bicep strain, Phil Maton is on the IL with a knee issue, and Hunter Harvey has a tricep injury. Justin Steele's return is still a month away at the earliest, and Jordan Wicks and Porter Hodge opened the season on the IL.

Cubs' reliance on internal pitching depth may not end well.

The Cubs' series against the Phillies marks a pivotal moment in their schedule. It's still early, but their next seven series are all against teams expected to contend this season. After an offseason where Jed Hoyer and Co. acted with the intent of avoiding the reality that faced them last October, running out of effective pitching, now isn't the time for the Cubs to sit back on the depth they have already assembled.

As much as the Cubs may want to avoid meeting Lucas Giolito at his current asking price, the situation may call for it. Giolito is far from the perfect solution to the Cubs' thinning pitching depth, but he would give them some stability at the backend of the rotation. Having someone with his track record in the rotation may allow Craig Counsell to avoid having to use an opener against a contending team like the Phillies.

In just about every move that has been made since the end of the 2025 season, the Cubs have acted with urgency. That shouldn't stop now that the season has started. Hoyer may need to make a move, even if it's small one, before it's too late.

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