Alzolay makes 2022 pitching debut, gives up game-winnng runs in Cubs loss
Adbert Alzolay finally made his 2022 debut for the Cubs on Saturday. He's been out with right elbow tightness since early in spring training.
He took the mound in the eighth inning of a 1-1 game and struck out the side. He came back in the ninth for a second inning of work and gave up a walk, triple and single to finish as the losing pitcher in a 3-1 loss to Colorado at Wrigley Field.
When he met with reporters, Alzolay said the injury happened suddenly in the spring and he had no indication anything was wrong with his arm.
"Everything was going perfect until I threw that bullpen before going into camp," he said. "That was just one pitch and then I felt it. I kind of knew it was something that would take a little bit because you know what you're feeling."
Alzolay, 27, was in the Cubs' rotation for most of last season, posting a 4.58 ERA in 21 starts. He said he's willing to take on any role moving forward.
"It's just what's best for the team," he said. "We're building something, we're trying to win. So for me, if my role is best out the bullpen, being a long guy, being a guy that can throw in the eighth or close the game or whatever, I feel like I have the weapons to do that.
"I feel it's more versatility for the team and for the manager also. I can go and throw three or four innings or I can throw one inning late in the game. I feel like there are more options there and that allows the team to go and be aggressive during the offseason."
Hoerner stays out:
The Cubs said an MRI on Nico Hoerner's injured right triceps revealed a mild to moderate strain. No timetable is set yet for his return.
Hoerner's absence has given Christopher Morel a chance to play shortstop and he's made some nice defensive plays. Still, Morel has collected 4 throwing errors in 16 starts at third base.
"You can tell when he gets there, it's just like, 'Wow, that's where he belongs,'" manager David Ross said. "The movement patterns, the reads, the jumps, the arm stroke, the footwork - everything is a little bit more set up, it feels like, for the middle infield.
"Third (base), different read over there, different kind of dynamic. Center field's new for him. It feels like that middle infield spot is where he fits best. Not saying that's where he's always going to play, obviously, but with Nico out, you feel really comfortable with him continuing to get reps out there."
Schwindel DFA:
It was a great story when Frank Schwindel was called up late last season and posted a 1.002 OPS, which was top 10 in the National League after the all-star break.
But after an injury-plagued season and return to Iowa, the Cubs designated Schwindel for assignment Saturday, to make room on the 40-man roster for infielder Esteban Quiroz. Quiroz made his MLB debut at age 30 when he pinch-hit in the ninth inning.
The Cubs also designated pitcher Sean Newcomb for assignment, while Seiya Suzuki went on the paternity list.
South Bend advances:
The Class A South Bend Cubs are headed to the Midwest League championship series after a 9-3 win at Cedar Rapids on Thursday. Some of the Cubs' top prospects delivered: Right-hander Daniel Palencia threw 5 shutout innings with 8 strikeouts, RF Owen Caissie went 2-for-3 with 4 RBI and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was 3 for 5 with 2 stolen bases.
South Bend will open the championship series at home against the Lake County Captains on Sunday.
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