Desperate Cubs might be forced to sign Reds castoff to save pitching staff

With injuries to Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown less than 24 hours apart, the Chicago Cubs have reached the point of "in case of an emergency, break glass" when it comes to looking for pitching help.

While the Cubs have had pitching injuries throughout the season, they've had enough depth that they could be somewhat selective with the arms they chose to pursue. That's no longer a luxury. Both Brown and Cabrera will be sidelined for, at least, the next two weeks, and the Cubs have confirmation that Justin Steele won't be used as a starting pitcher this season.

At this point, it's no longer a question wondering if an available pitcher can be find success. They'll certainly take that, but the most important question is if the available pitcher is capable of taking the mound every five days. It's why the injuries the Cubs have suffered may leave them no choice but to pursue Chris Paddack.

Chris Paddack is far from ideal, but the Cubs may have no choice

The Cubs have loosely been connected to Paddack over the past year. He was a theoretical trade fit last summer when the Cubs were looking for rotation help, but Paddack was ultimately traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Detroit Tigers.

Paddack struggled with the Tigers, posting an ERA of 6.32 in 48 innings pitched. Proof that teams never turn down available pitching, Paddack landed a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins during the offseason. Seven appearances and a 7.63 ERA later, Paddack quickly found himself out of Miami and with the pitching-needy Reds. The results weren't much better with the 30-year-old veteran once again sporting an ERA over six.

To no surprise, Paddack was designated for assignment by the Reds earlier this week. Given the trend, there's no reason to believe the veteran righty would have success with the Cubs if he were added. In fact, it seems clear that the numbers won't be good. If there's the tinies ounce of hope, it's that playing in front of the Cubs' defense does help his ERA a little.

But again, considering the circumstances now facing the Cubs, they are left with no other options. The Cubs no longer can afford to be selective. It's a matter of bringing in as many arms as they possibly can, hoping that one or two can stick.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow