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Chicago Cubs Spring Training: David Ross updates starting rotation
While speaking with reporters at Chicago Cubs Spring Training on Saturday, manager David Ross provided some insight into the competition regarding the fifth spot in the team's starting rotation.
Cubs manager David Ross says the fifth starter competition is between Adrian Sampson, Hayden Wesneski, Javier Assad and mentioned that some NRIs are in that mix as well. He specifically said Keegan Thompson will be in the bullpen and he understands that's his role.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 18, 2023
The known commodities in the Cubs' starting rotation include Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, and Drew Smyly. Kyle Hendricks is not being factored into the plans for the Cubs' starting rotation at the beginning of the season as he likely will not be ready until May at the earliest.
Javier Assad, Adrian Sampson, and Hayden Wesneski all found success pitching out of the Cubs' starting rotation at various points during the team's 2022 season.
Assad appeared in 9 games for the Cubs last season, 8 of which were starts, and posted a 3.11 ERA in 37.2 innings pitched. Sampson had an identical ERA to Assad but had a longer stretch with the team at the Major league level as he made 19 starts and appeared in 21 starts overall.
Wesneski arguably became the Cubs' top pitching prospect after being acquired by the team at the Major Baseball Trade Deadline in a deal that saw Scott Effross be dealt to the New York Yankees. Wesneski appeared in 6 games for the Cubs last season, 4 of which were starts, and posted a 2.18 ERA.
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Wesneski is the pitcher to watch in regard to who will be the fifth starter for the Cubs to open the season. Wesneski was mentioned by Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer on Wednesday when talking about players that he was expecting to take a step forward in 2023. Between the pitchers that the Cubs already have in their starting rotation and the ones competing for the final spot, Wesneski is near the top in terms of the ability to make a hitter swing and miss. That could be the factor that gives him an inside edge at winning the last spot in the Cubs' starting rotation during Spring Training.