On Thursday's off day, the Chicago Cubs sent RHP Jose Cuas down to Triple-A Iowa after a brutal start to the 2024 season. However, a corresponding move was not made at the time of the demotion. On Friday, Craig Counsell was the first to confirm that the Cubs are calling RHP Keegan Thompson back up to the majors.
Thompson had incredible success coming out of the bullpen and as a starter in 2022. In 29 games, and 17 starts, Thompson posted a 3.76 ERA over 115.0 innings of work. Thompson also struck out 108 batters and only walked 43. At the time, it appeared Thompson would be a long-term staple after positing a 3.38 ERA in 2021 as well.
However, 2023 came and Thompson did not look like himself. In multiple stints at the MLB level, Thompson made 19 appearances, pitching to a 4.71 ERA. The righty showed flashes of his old self, but wasn't consistently the same pitcher as the seasons prior.
Now, with Cuas' struggles, Thompson gets another shot. A 4.05 ERA in Spring Training isn't anything to get excited about, but Thompson will once again have another chance to prove himself. Given how much the bullpen has been used early on this season, it wouldn't be a shock to see Thompson in Friday's tilt with the Mariners.
Jameson Taillon Rehab Start at Triple-A Iowa
RHP Jameson Taillon is inching closer to his 2024 debut with the Cubs. After dealing with an injury in Spring Training, the big righty remained in Arizona to continue his rehab. Taillon made one rehab start at Double-A Tennessee, but was shelled for three earned runs in just 2.2 innings of work. That said, Taillon demonstrated enough to make the leap to Triple-A for another rehab start.
Taillon is expected to take the bump on Friday for the Iowa Cubs, meaning Sunday's open pitching slot in Chicago will likely still belong to Ben Brown. There is an outside chance that Justin Steele returns, as he could be activated off the 15-day IL, but the assumption for now is that Brown will take the mound again.
Nonetheless, a Taillon return with Steele's injury and a struggling Kyle Hendricks will improve the talent in the Cubs' starting rotation.
Shota Show
On Saturday, Shota Imanaga will take the bump for the Cubs. In addition, it will be the first time he takes the bump on the west coast in the regular season. Saturday will surely be special for him, as a large Japanese audience should be expected for the late game.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs and Mariners do battle for three games this weekend from T-Mobile Park. Friday's battle features LHP Jordan Wicks for the visiting Cubs and RHP Bryce Miller for the host Mariners. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CDT.
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