The Chicago Cubs have a series win under their belt entering Wednesday's series finale against the Colorado Rockies. With Javier Assad's brilliant six innings of work, and Jose Cuas making it through two innings to follow on Tuesday, the Cubs only used three pitchers as Luke Little came in to close the win. On Wednesday, Little will have an opportunity to throw again, this time as the starting pitcher.
According to Cubs manager Craig Counsell via Marquee Sports Network's Taylor McGregor, Little will get the start on Wednesday for what will likely be a bullpen game.
Little only threw 12 pitches to get through the top of the ninth inning on Tuesday. He'll likely be able to go about 30 pitches before Counsell moves to another arm. On Tuesday, Counsell eluded to the idea of Ben Brown getting length in Wednesday's game, meaning the top-10 prospect will likely get three innings of work in on Wednesday night.
Little has only thrown 8.2 innings in the big leagues, and Wednesday's start will also be a first. The big lefty is holding baserunners back, striking out 13 batters compared to just five walks in his career. As for Brown, he's only thrown the 1.2 innings he threw in Texas. However, both players will need to be really good on Wednesday if the Cubs expect to take the sweep over the Rockies.
Wednesday marks the "Justin Steele slot" in the rotation. With the number of off days early in the season, a bullpen game every fifth day appears to be the move until Steele returns from the IL.
Wednesday's first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CDT. The Cubs are off on Thursday before the Los Angeles Dodgers venture to Wrigley Field for a three-game set with the Cubbies.
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