Cahill kicks off sweep for Chicago Cubs
Trevor Cahill has given them something to talk about.
The big right-hander returned Tuesday to the Cubs after month on the disabled list, and he looked hale, hearty and healthy during a 4-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader.
In Game 2, Jason Hammel pitched 7 shutout innings as the Cubs completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory.
Cahill was the so-called 26th man teams were able to use in doubleheaders, but he may put himself into the mix as one of the five, or six, starting pitchers the Cubs may use the rest of the season.
A member of the bullpen until coming down with tendinitis in his right knee, Cahill got stretched out to start at Class AAA Iowa during his minor-league rehab stint.
Manager Joe Maddon likes to plug in a sixth starting pitcher now and then, but with No. 3 starter John Lackey coming up with a sore shoulder Sunday night, Cahill may have to step in again sooner rather than later.
The Cubs say they don't believe Lackey's shoulder is serious, but a little time off as a precaution could keep him fresh for the stretch.
As for Cahill, the Cubs have to figure out something quickly.
“No, it's obvious he gave us something to talk about,” Maddon said. “We will discuss that. We have to have an answer by tomorrow. We're looking at the different scenarios. We have not decided on anything. Those are different things that are within our purview right now.
“The fact that he pitched as well today as he did and is stretched out as he is just opens up possibilities. We have not decided anything.”
Cahill has worked as a starter and reliever in his career and says he's OK with anything. He's just not sure what that might be.
“I don't know,” he said. “Who knows? I'm just here. Whatever they do I'll do it. I don't want to speculate. Whenever you speculate, it always seems like ends up really different. I felt a lot better today. Whatever they want me to do, I'll work hard, go out there and compete and do the best I can.
1“I like the guys in the clubhouse. I respect them all. Whatever they let me do, just go out there and do my best. Beyond that, whatever happens, happens.”
Cahill pitched 5 solid innings, giving up 2 hits. The Cubs scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, with Cahill bunted home a run in the fourth. He also made a nice play in the field, covering first base and staying on the bag after Anthony Rizzo fielded Kirk Nieuwenhuis' grounder behind first base.
In the second game, Hammel continued his impressive run. He improved to 13-5 overall with a 2.74 ERA. Since the all-star break, his ERA is 0.95 with a 6-0 record. He also lowered his home ERA from 1.99 to 1.79.