The Chicago Cubs reinstated RHP Adrian Sampson from the 60-day IL on Monday. With the pitching staff at the major league level largely set, Sampson has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa.
Sampson was splendid for the Cubs during the 2021 campaign. Sampson pitched to a 2.80 ERA in 10 games (five starts) for the Cubs down the stretch. However, 2022 was a massive step forward. In 19 starts (21 total appearances), he pitched to a 3.11 ERA with 73 strikeouts and just 27 walks in 104.1 innings. Things were looking up for Sampson entering 2023.
That said, the righty has yet to pitch in the majors in 2023. Sampson struggled for the Cubs in Spring Training and ultimately found himself in Triple-A. In the minors, Sampson has also struggled. A 8.85 ERA in six Triple-A appearances and a 5.40 ERA in two appearances at the rookie ball level leave Sampson stuck. Now, Sampson will have an opportunity with the Iowa Cubs to right the ship after spending time on the IL.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs are off on Monday before venturing south on Tuesday to take on the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. The two-game set sees Kyle Hendricks and Michael Kopech take the bump for their respective clubs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CDT.
More must-reads: