Since the All-Star break, the Chicago Cubs have enjoyed several solid pitching starts. Despite the greater portion of this season being defined by untimely pitching injuries, the Cubs now stand in an actually comfortable position. Edward Cabrera is set to return from injury this coming Sunday, where he'll be activated and retake his spot in the Cubs starting rotation.
Cabrera's last start came on June 23rd against the Mets where he threw for five innings and four strikeouts before exiting the game. He had been covering first base on a ground ball to the right side and on the stretch, managed to injure his hamstring.
Edward Cabrera was finding his rhythm before landing on the IL
Prior to the happenstance injury, Cabrera had really started to figure out his mechanics. There have been plenty of ups and downs with Cabrera this season, particularly after a string of rough starts found their way to the score sheet toward the end of May and into June.
Though that fifth inning on June 23rd would have certainly been his last inning of the day given that he'd thrown 99 pitches already, five innings only allowing two earned runs with four strikeouts was assuredly a step in the right direction. Now, with a significant gap since his last start, Cabrera comes to Wrigley on Sunday to show that he's still got it.
The Cubs’ deadline additions give Cabrera room to be imperfect
The Cubs are on a mad dash to topple the Brewers from their seat on top of the National League. Entering Friday, the Cubs sit at four games out of first place, a place that they've basically stayed for weeks. It may fluctuate, but the Brewers have been consistently winning. The Cubs will need either to go on a winning streak, the Brewers to go on a losing streak, or both.
That being said, Cabrera's return means even more depth on the mound in Chicago, the position that's needed the most support this season. With Cabrera re-entering the mix, the rotation becomes stronger, and therefore, the bullpen is less relied upon.
Even if Cabrera's return doesn't go perfectly, manager Craig Counsell won't need to juggle the planning of several days because he suddenly needs a pitcher in the fourth or fifth. That depth is important, and can make all the difference in the world, especially when the Cubs are on the brink of a playoff push.
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