Chicago Cubs News: Caleb Kilian promoted, NL Wild Card, and more

Chicago Cubs recall Caleb Kilian from Triple-A Iowa

Prior to the Chicago Cubs' victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, the team recalled right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian from Triple-A Iowa and optioned left-handed relief pitcher Anthony Kay.

Kilian, given his struggles at the Major League level last season followed by more struggles earlier this season, has seen his prospect status take a hit in recent months.

Since May 5, Kilian has pieced together some consistency as part of the Iowa Cubs' starting rotation. In that span, Kilian has posted a 3.51 ERA in 14 starts.

With Javier Assad serving as a temporary fill-in in the starting rotation, KIlian likely will slot into the long-relief role for the Cubs' bullpen. Ultimately, that could be the role that Kilian will have if he is going to be a mainstay on the Major League roster.

The key for Kilian to find success will be to limit the walks and keep the ball on the ground. Kilian's walk rate in Triple-A Iowa since May 5 was 7.5%. That is around the mark that he will need to be at if he is going to have success at the Major League level.

Chicago Cubs currently hold the last NL Wild Card Spot

Entering play on Monday, the Chicago Cubs would be a post-season team if the playoffs started today as they hold the final wild-card spot in the National League.

The Cubs' ascension over the course of the past month speaks to the team finally playing up to the level that the front office believed they could. As the Major League Baseball trade deadline was approaching, the talk was centered around whether or not the Cubs could sneak into the post-season as the National League Central division winner.

There is no sneaking needed. The Cubs have announced that they are back this past weekend with their series victory against the Atlanta Braves.

Chicago Cubs Probable starting pitchers against New York Mets

1. Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets, 6:10 PM CST

Drew Smyly will get the nod for the Chicago Cubs on Monday night in the first game of the series against Kodai Senga.

2. Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets, 6:10 PM CST

Jameson Taillon will get the start for the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night against Carlos Carrasco of the New York Mets.

3. Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets, 6:10 PM CST

Kyle Hendricks will get the start for the Chicago on Wednesday night against David Peterson of the New York Mets.

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