Cubs schedule Edward Cabrera's return while intriguing roster question remains unanswered

Edward Cabrera will be reinstated from the IL this weekend, and is scheduled to start for the Chicago Cubs on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. While Cabrera's return to the starting rotation does answer one question that surfaced after the team's trade deadline, it remains to be seen who the odd man out will be for the pitching staff.

The Cubs will likely avoid making the roster move until Sunday morning, offering them the opportunity to keep an extra arm in the bullpen for the next two days. A bullpen that should be rested, considering Javier Assad and Aaron Civale worked as bulk options during the final two games against the Washington Nationals this week.

Previously, Shota Imanaga was expected to make the start on Sunday. Chances are he will now get the nod against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field on Monday.

Edward Cabrera's return will trigger Cubs' roster gymnastics that was inevitable after the trade deadline

After the additions of Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes at the deadline, there had an some belief that Cabrera could pitch out of the bullpen upon his return. While that certainly could be his role on the postseason pitching staff, the indication now appears to be that Craig Counsell will be using some form of a six-man rotation over the next several weeks.

It does make sense, considering the options the Cubs have, and should allow for Counsell to shape the rotation to his liking before October. Cabrera is certainly going to be a part of those plans, but his role could be tied to the level of success he has moving forward.

While it's been a struggle for Cabrera this season, 5.10 ERA through 14 starts, his most recent minor-league rehab starts have offered hope. He's been excellent, tossing nine scoreless innings while striking out 15. That is the version of Cabrera the Cubs fell in love with, and the one who could be a difference maker for the pitching for the rest of this season.

The question now becomes what the corresponding roster move will be when Cabrera is activated on Sunday. The simplest move would be for the Cubs to option Assad to Triple-A Iowa. That would allow the team to extend the leash a little bit longer for the likes of Civale, Caleb Thielbar, and Trent Thornton. Not to mention, it would also keep Assad stretched out in the event that the Cubs need to call on him for the rotation in the weeks ahead.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow