September call-ups who could make a difference for Cubs
At the midway point of a stretch that includes 23 games in 23 days, the Cubs will receive a boost in Philadelphia this weekend. With the calendar flipping to September on Saturday, Major League Baseball clubs will expand their rosters to 40 men.
In such a prolonged stretch without a day off, and in middle of a playoff race, the Cubs could use a few extra bodies.
Most of the September additions will likely come from a lengthy list of players on the disabled list - Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and possibly Brandon Morrow, to name a few. Besides these, manager Joe Maddon hinted Wednesday that he would like to see "maybe three or four guys" added to the roster.
"I like an extra catcher, speed on the bench, and any time you could help the bullpen," Maddon said.
Here are a few players who could make an impact for the Cubs in September and maybe even October if the Cubs can find room for them. This list does not include players coming off the DL.
Dillon Maples, RHP: The 26-year-old hard-throwing reliever has struggled in three appearances with the Cubs in June and July this season. With a fastball that averages 97.2 mph, according to FanGraphs, Maples is a potential weapon in the bullpen. The biggest concern is his command: He has nine walks in 8⅔ big league innings in his career. In Triple-A this season, Maples has a 2.82 earned run average in 38⅓ innings with a strikeout rate at 42.1 percent.
Terrance Gore, OF: The recently acquired speedster is not currently on the Cubs' 40-man roster, so the club would have to move someone to make room for him. But the Cubs didn't trade for Gore, one of the few pinch-running specialists in the game, for nothing. They likely had October in mind.
Gore stole 4 bases for the Kansas City Royals during their playoff runs in 2014 and 2015, all without ever earning a postseason plate appearance. A weapon like Gore could be highly valuable during the late innings of a one-run playoff game.
Anthony Bass, RHP: Bass has logged 15⅓ innings for the Cubs already in 2018. Through his first 14⅓ innings, he posted a 0.63 ERA. Bass was optioned to Triple-A in early August after spending time on the disabled list with a back strain. Bass proved earlier this season he can pitch effectively in the big leagues and would provide the bullpen depth Maddon is looking for.
Luke Farrell, RHP: Farrell pitched in 20 games for the Cubs, making two starts and logging 31⅓ innings. He has served primarily as a starter for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs since he was sent down in late July. Farrell struggled in both his starts for the big league Cubs. As a reliever, however, he has a 3.20 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 25⅓ innings. Like Bass, Farrell showed he could throw quality innings out of the bullpen.
Duane Underwood Jr., RHP: The Cubs second-round draft pick in 2012 made one big-league start this season on June 25 against the Dodgers. He allowed 1 earned run in four innings, striking out three and walking three. Underwood has made 20 starts at Triple-A Iowa in 2018, posting a 4-10 record with a 4.60 ERA. It's possible Underwood could make a spot start here or there, if needed, or provide an extra arm in the bullpen.