Chicago Cubs Minor League Recap: Matt Shaw is too good for Double-A pitching

Pitcher of the Week

Chase Watkins

RHP (A+ South Bend Cubs)

2 G, 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, 3 H, 0BB, 7 K

Chase Watkins could become a player the Cubs will eventually utilize out of the bullpen. The two games he appeared in this week were both relief opportunities and of the outs he managed to record 50% of them came via strikeout.

He’s a big lefty, much like Luke Little, who was sent down to AAA Iowa earlier this week, and so far this season he’s pitching incredibly well, carrying a 2.16 ERA over 8.1 innings with 13 strikeouts. 

It’s worth remembering that relief pitchers can fly through the system and that pitchers in general, don’t have a linear progression. Some players require more time than others to be ready for the big time, and the University of Central Florida product that the Cubs drafted in the 9th round of the 2021 MLB Draft may finally be finding his stride.

Or we’re just a couple of weeks into a season where he’s considerably older than the average age of the competition. Only time will tell.