Chicago Cubs manager David Ross made an early call to the pen Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
Less than 45 minutes after first pitch, Cubs rookie Hayden Wesneski was pulled from Tuesday's game in the top of the second inning, against the Seattle Mariners, after allowing five earned runs on four walks, six hits and a home run. It was the shortest start of Wesneski's young career. The 25-year-old made his Major League debut last September, one month after he was acquired by the Cubs in a trade with the New York Yankees for relief pitcher Scott Effross.
Wesneski recorded just four outs Tuesday night, as Ross called upon reliever Michael Rucker for mop-up duty with the bases loaded and only one out in the top of the second inning. Rucker was able to pitch his way out of the inning, allowing just one more run to score, giving the Mariners an early 7-0 lead.
Eugenio Suarez got the party started in the top of the first inning with a two-run homer. The next batter, Cal Raleigh, doubled. Wesneski was able to get Teoscar Hernandez to line out, before walking Jarred Kelenic. Wesneski was able to avoid further damage, getting Kolten Wong to ground out to end the inning.
A hit parade opened the floodgates in the second inning, and with the bases loaded and only one out, Wesneski's day was done.
It was only Wesneski's second start of the season Tuesday night. Through his first two starts, Wesneski has allowed eight earned runs off three home runs, 12 hits and six walks over six innings pitched.
Wesneski earned the fifth and final spot in the Cubs' pitching rotation after an impressive showing at spring training. He is scheduled to make his next start next Monday in Oakland, when the Cubs open a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics.
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