Handing out Cubs starting rotation midseason report cards

Cubs Midseason Report Card - Hayden Wesneski: D+

Out of spring training, Hayden Wesneski nabbed the final spot in the Cubs starting rotation as Kyle Hendricks continued to work his way back from 2022 shoulder surgery.

Almost immediately, things went sideways for the young right-hander and, although he's provided some value out of the bullpen as the year has progressed, his work out of the rotation has been inconsistent and ineffective.

In 10 starts, Wesneski has totaled just 47 innings - and his 5.55 ERA tells you what you need to know about how well those outings have gone. In some starts, he's been hit hard. In others, even when he's kept runs off the board, he's really labored - and failed to work deep into the game, taxing the bullpen in the process.

Meanwhile, out of the pen, he's made five appearances and thrived, pitching to a 1.98 ERA. Back at Triple-A Iowa getting stretched out, it seems likely we'll see him back in Chicago in the second half. If the Cubs wind up selling, potentially trading Smyly, Stroman or Kyle Hendricks, Wesneski might get a long leash as he works his way through struggles as the 2023 season winds down.