Chicago Cubs first base coach Mike Napoli said on Marquee Sports Network that Hayden Wesneski is probably slated as the fifth starter. Is this the first confirmation that the youngster has made the rotation?
During Friday's split squad Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Marquee Sports Network, Chicago Cubs first base coach Mike Napoli may have spilled the beans. Although not directly indicating that RHP Hayden Wesneski will be the Cubs' fifth starter to begin the 2023 season, he surely sounded confident in his kind words about the 25-year-old's excellent spring.
Wesneski has been sensational during Spring Training for the Cubs. Entering his start on Friday, Wesneski has yet to give up an earned run in four starts. In addition, he's struck out 16 batters while walking just three in 11.2 innings of work. He's been nothing short of excellent for the Cubs.
With that body of work, how can he not be the fifth starter? Although Javier Assad has also been really good in Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic, there are already reports indicating the Cubs are considering using him in the bullpen. With that in mind, it is starting to feel like Wesneski is all but locked in as the team's fifth starter.
Mind you, this isn't a confirmed report from the mouths of David Ross or Jed Hoyer. However, given the confidence Napoli used when discussing Wesneski, it appears the 25-year-old will likely begin the season in the starting rotation for the Cubs.
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