Forgotten Cubs minor league signing dazzles in latest Triple-A start

Sunday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners left Chicago Cubs fans scratching their heads with questions. Many wondered why the Cubs trotted out Colin Rea, a pitcher with some of the lowest whiff rates on the team that often results in hard contact. Combined with wind gusts that gave even a pop fly a chance to leave the yard, the decision to start Rea was baffling to Cubs fans.

(Also baffling was the pitching staff’s absolute refusal to pitch around American League MVP candidate Cal Raleigh, but I digress.)

Regarding the first question, the Cubs started Rea because they had no other option. With the pitching staff spread thin as it is, many pitchers have been thrust into the spotlight in hopes of getting the Cubs through a start. Rea is one of those pitchers who has been leaned on perhaps more than he should have been.

However, good news is on the horizon for Cubs fans, as left-hander Shota Imanaga will be making his return to the mound this week, a much-needed reinforcement for the pitching staff. Still, that doesn’t mean the Cubs can’t continue to look for ways to fill the void.

Enter Kenta Maeda. 

Maeda was a signing that went under the radar earlier in the season. After a brutal seven game stretch for the Detroit Tigers yielded a 7.88 ERA, the Cubs signed him and transferred him to Triple-A Iowa, where the 37-year-old has been less than stellar.

Across 22 innings, Maeda has given up 25 runs with a WHIP of 2.000, certainly nothing to be excited about. What was exciting, however, was Maeda’s latest showing on the mound, where he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Maeda struck out three in seven shutout innings, only allowing one hit in the process. Relieving him was Porter Hodge, who gave up a walk and a single and what ended up being the game-winning run in a 1-0 defeat.

Nevertheless, the Cubs should pay attention to Maeda after his breakout performance. He won’t be a top end guy in the rotation, but could certainly deliver quality innings with the pedigree of a nine-year MLB career to boot.

The rotation will get an incredible boost with the return of Imanaga, but they should certainly keep their options open. As the Cubs have proven thus far, starting pitching depth comes at a premium and should never be taken for granted.