3 likely candidates to start for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday

The Chicago Cubs are rolling with a four-man starting rotation right now with Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks still on the injured list. With no off days this week, the team will need to find a starting pitcher for Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals to keep everyone on regular rest. There are limited options right now since Adrian Sampson is on the Iowa Cubs' injured list and Javier Assad just pitched on Sunday so he would be on limited rest should he be called back up. With few options, here are the most likely candidates to get the ball on Thursday.

1. Caleb Kilian

Kilian made a spot start on Saturday against the Marlins, where he looked very out of sorts. It was his first start of the year at the major league level and he faced a Marlins lineup that is formidable, but not elite. However, Kilian went just 3.1 innings and gave up 10 hits and 7 earned runs. Kilian's command was most concerning as he hit two batters and threw several high and in pitches came close to making contact with hitters.

Despite these struggles, Kilian is one of the most likely candidates to start on Thursday as he is one of the only depth starters on the 40-man roster that is currently healthy. He would also be on six days of rest on Thursday and face a slightly less intimidating Washington Nationals lineup. But if the Cubs are not willing to give Kilian another chance so soon after his blowup game, they may decide to go another route.