Smyly goes on bereavement list; Effross gets first MLB start
Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly went on the bereavement list before Tuesday's scheduled start against the White Sox, setting off a bit of a chain reaction on the pitching staff.
Scott Effross got the call to start his first major league game. The right-hander has been mostly a reliever throughout his career, but did make 5 starts in the minors, including two last year for Iowa. Heading into Tuesday's start, he had not allowed an earned run this season in 7 innings.
The Cubs also promoted right-hander Robert Gsellman from Iowa and designated LHP Locke St. John for assignment.
Reliever Ethan Roberts went on the injured list Monday with right shoulder inflammation.
"I don't think it's anything that we're super alarmed about," manager David Ross said of Roberts' injury. "We just need to calm down some of that inflammation."
Gsellman, 28, pitched for the Mets from 2016-21, producing a 4.59 ERA. He started 22 games for New York in 2017 and collected 13 saves the following year. The Southern California native posted a 1.17 ERA for the Iowa Cubs and impressed Ross during spring training.
"One of those guys that popped on the radar for me early on when you first see him pitch with all the weapons he has," Ross said. "He's got a two-seam fastball that's really played well."
Veteran Wade Miley, on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, threw a bullpen session in Milwaukee on Sunday that went well.
Contreras has quiet issue:
Catcher Willson Contreras missed his second straight start Tuesday. Manager David Ross said Contreras would be available to pinch-hit, but didn't want to share any details of the injury. Asked if it was upper or lower body, Ross answered, "Mid."
"He's got a little something going on that we're just trying to keep under wraps for competitive advantage stuff," Ross said. "He's day to day and he'll be available off the bench, so it's nothing serious."
Outfielder Clint Frazier was back in the clubhouse before Tuesday's game after having an appendectomy on April 22. His return to game action is to be determined.
Cubs notes:
Three pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter for Class A Myrtle Beach on Saturday. Leading the way was 6-foot-8 right-hander Walker Powell, who tossed the first 5 innings. The Cubs signed Powell, 25, last year after he went undrafted out of Southern Mississippi.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki was named NL rookie of the month for April. ... Both Ian Happ and Justin Steele got engaged in the past few days.
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