Chicago Cubs: What happens to John Lackey after Cubs added Quintana?
After the Chicago Cubs added Jose Quintana on Thursday, is John Lackey’s job in jeopardy?
As you undoubtedly know, the Chicago Cubs shook up the MLB world on Thursday, when they traded for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana. Quintana not only helps them compete for 2017, he will be a huge part of their rotation through the 2020 season.
Make no mistake about it, this trade for Quintana was a big move for the Chicago Cubs. However, with a new starting pitcher coming in, one has to go out. For now, that guy appears to be Eddie Butler.
Mike Montgomery will start for the Cubs out of the break on Friday, followed by Jake Arrieta on Saturday and Quintana making his Cubs debut on Sunday. Jon Lester will take the ball for the Cubs next, followed by John Lackey on Tuesday. This means that to make room for Quintana, the Cubs bumped Eddie Butler from the rotation. Honestly, a pretty easy move to make.
However, the next move that will be needed to be made in the rotation will not be as easy. Kyle Hendricks will make another rehab start for the Cubs on Monday and is expected to be back in the big leagues after that. So, sometime next week, the Chicago Cubs are going to have to bump another pitcher from their starting rotation.
Who does Hendricks replace?
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Mike Montgomery is probably the most obvious choice. Montgomery has pitched well for the Cubs in the rotation, but they know that they can count on him in the bullpen as well. Montgomery’s ability to swing back and forth makes him an incredibly valuable pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. However, I would like to see him remain in the rotation.
Montgomery has pitched well as a starter this season and has some upside in the role going forward. Even after acquiring Quintana, the Cubs need as many starting pitchers as possible for 2018 and beyond. Montgomery is a strong bet to be a solid number four or five starting pitcher going forward.
With the way their roster is set now, a starting five of Lester, Quintana, Hendricks, Arrieta and Montgomery is fantastic. However, if they keep Montgomery in the rotation, it would necessitate making a tough move; cutting ties with John Lackey.
Lackey’s struggles
Lackey was fantastic for the Cubs last season, posting a 3.35 ERA in 29 regular season starts. He struggled in the postseason, but Lackey was a huge part of their regular season success. However, 2017 has gone about as bad as possible for Lackey. Through 17 starts, he has an ugly 5.20 ERA.
Opposing batters are hitting .264/.322/.516 off of Lackey this season. He has also given up the second-most home runs in the MLB (24) on the season. Simply put, Lackey has been getting crushed all season long and appears to be losing his effectiveness on the mound.
Lackey has never been a guy who would blow it by you with his stuff, but his 24.1% strikeout rate (FanGraphs) last season was a fantastic way to show how effective he was. Even without great natural stuff, Lackey was able to strikeout batters at a high clip. This season, Lackey is only striking out 20.1% of batters. The home runs are the biggest issue, but Lackey’s lower strikeout rate helps show his ineffectiveness this season as well.
Final verdict
So now what? The Cubs could easily move Montgomery back into the rotation. This would allow them to keep more depth on the starting staff by keeping Lackey as a starter. However, this team is 5.5 games back in the division. They cannot afford to mess around with a guy who is getting hit as hard as Lackey.
If they do not feel like he will turn it around in the second half, let Lackey make his start next Tuesday and cut ties with him. Montgomery is clearly the better option in the rotation and his effectiveness out of the bullpen should not change anything. He is the best number five starter that they have and he needs to take over the role.
Next: Why the Cubs make the right move by trading for Quintana
Unless Lackey looks fantastic on Tuesday and seems to have turned a corner, the Chicago Cubs should DFA their veteran pitcher when Hendricks is ready to come back.