A couple of Cubs began to make their cases for inclusion on the Opening Day roster.
After kicking off their Spring Training season Saturday, the Chicago Cubs continued to exhibition action Sunday with a couple of notable debuts. With questions looming as to where starting pitcher Javier Assad and infielder Nick Madrigal will start the 2023 season, both players put together impressive outings.
Javier Assad Spins Scoreless Spring Debut
Coming off a season in which Assad made a case to be part of the Cubs’ future starting rotation, the young right-hander kicked off his Spring Training on a high note.
In two innings of work, the Mexico native hurled two scoreless frames with two strikeouts, zero hits, and zero walks.
After Justin Steele was scratched from his scheduled start due to general arm fatigue, Assad filled in. According to Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network, the plan is to give Steele a few days off before he throws another bullpen.
Cubs manager David Ross previously noted that Assad would be in the running for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. A scoreless outing in his debut was a great way for Assad to begin making his case.
Nick Madrigal Shines at Third Base
Nick Madrigal has been a major talking point among Cubs fans all offseason. Could he start the season in the minors? Will he eventually be traded? He’s really trying things out at third base? Can he make that throw across the diamond?
Not all of those questions have been answered, but Madrigal has silenced critics of his potential to stick at third base so far.
In two opportunities Sunday, Madrigal looked comfortable at the hot corner. He made a pair of plays in the first inning, one of which was a difficult slow roller down the line that he made look easy.
Sure, Freddie Freeman isn’t the fastest runner in the world, but Madrigal got the job done without issue.
To help his cause, the righty went 1-for-3 at the plate from the leadoff spot with an RBI single in the second inning.
What's On Tap Next?
The Chicago Cubs continue Spring Training action Monday against the Cleveland Guardians at 2:05 PM CT. Newly acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon will make his spring debut and face off against former AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber.
More must-reads: