Chicago Cubs: 5 pitching prospects to call up in 2020

Adbert Alzolay nearly came up last season to replace an injured Yu Darvish prior to suffering an injury himself.

Adbert Alzolay would make the most sense for the Chicago Cubs to become the fifth starter in 2020. He is currently ranked as the fourth overall prospect in the Cubs organization and the second best pitcher. Brailyn Marquez is still a couple years off from making his debut.

Alzolay, 24, was shutdown in mid-June of last season due to a lat strain after hurting himself in his May 29 start for Triple-A Iowa. He made eight starts for the Iowa Cubs last season, tossing 39.2 innings to the tune of a 4.76 ERA prior to his injury.

He utilized the time off to watch video and get his mind and body for 2019:

"“I’ve been preparing for next year all this time,” Alzolay said. “I know my season is done. There’s nothing I can do to be back on the mound this year, but I can prepare myself and my mind and my body to be ready for next year and Spring Training.” – via MLB.com"

Alzolay was set to resume his season at Triple-A Iowa but a side injury has delayed that. At the end of March, the Cubs said that he would be ready to join the Iowa Cubs again in early May. That being said, he’s made just one start with High-A Myrtle Beach and got shelled. He pitched just 4.0 innings while allowing five earned runs, walking two and striking out three.

It will be interesting to see how much time Alzolay will require before he’s ready to rejoin the Iowa Cubs. His first start back was not encouraging, so he might need the entire year to get back on track from his injuries.