Chicago Cubs News: Marcus Stroman speaks on injury, Drew Smyly, and more

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman speaks on injury

In a Spring Training feel, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman spoke with reporters during the team's game on Friday to provide an update on the rib injury that may keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Stroman told reporters that the next two to three weeks will be spent doing little activity as he waits for the pain to subside. It would seem likely that if Stroman is able to return this season, it would only be in the event that the team reaches the post-season as a 6-8 week timeline has been the projected recovery time.

Something does not appear to be adding up in regard to the Stroman injury. Jed Hoyer said earlier this week that this was the first time that he has heard of a pitcher suffering the injury that Stroman did and it was odd that Stroman spoke with reporters during the game and the team placed an embargo on the information until after the conclusion of their loss to the Kansas City Royals.

For as certain it was that Stroman was well on his way to a massive payday after a strong first half of the season, it is equally as odd how things have played out between the team and starting pitcher during the second half of the season.

Drew Smyly pitches out of the bullpen on Friday

Drew Smyly pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen on Friday and it added more intrigue to what the Chicago Cubs will do with the starting rotation in light of Stroman's injury.

Cubs manager David Ross seemed to indicate that Smyly was likely to move back to the starting rotation but his use on Friday may suggest otherwise. It would seem that the decision will come down to Smyly, Hayden Wesneski, or pitching prospect Jordan Wicks.

Major League Baseball Service Time

Today marks only 44 days left of service time at the Major League level this season. This is an important marker for the Cubs in relation to prospects such as Wicks or Pete Crow-Armstrong. What this means is prospects can now be called up and still retain their rookie status for next season.

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