Cubs activate reliever Barnette, send Wick to Iowa
The Cubs haven't had much of a look at reliever Tony Barnette, but they like what he can bring.
Barnette was activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday as the Cubs optioned pitcher Rowan Wick to Class AAA Iowa.
Barnette had fought right-shoulder inflammation much of the spring.
"He could be really good against righties," said manager Joe Maddon. "He can get out a lefty, but he's been really good against right-handers. He's a strike thrower. He attacks the zone.s He's kind of a fearless guy."
Barnette is an interesting guy. He is looking to become the first player born in Alaska to appear in a game for the Cubs. Although he is 35, he has spent part of just three seasons in the major leagues, 2016-18 with the Texas Rangers. He pitched in Japan from 2010-15.
With the Rangers last year, he went 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA and a WHIP of 0.91.
"Patience is a virtue, and it's hard to be patient in this game, especially when you're expected to eat a lot of innings at the major-league level," Barnette said. "Patience was something that I really had to work on. I stayed patient, trusted the process, worked with the training staff and just made sure I was right."
Back to back for Kimbrel:
Newly signed closer Craig Kimbrel served as the first-inning "opener" Saturday night for Class AAA Iowa. He pitched in relief Friday night, and Saturday marked the first time he went back to back this season.
He gave up a solo homer in two-thirds of an inning, walking one and striking out one. Kimbrel is likely to pitch for Iowa again Tuesday and Joe Maddon said the Cubs would discuss the next step after that.
The Cubs signed Kimbrel June 7.
Early candidate:
The Mets' Pete Alonso may be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year in the National League. He homered against the Cubs Sunday, giving him 3 in the series and 27 for the season. With his 27th homer, he surpassed Darryl Strawberry for the Mets' rookie record for homers in season. Only Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, with 29, has more homers than Alonso.