Chicago Cubs: Edward Cabrera bullpen prep has begun

This time around, talk about a Cabrera return isn’t centering around a return to the starting rotation. There’s just not enough time left in the season to nurture him back into a starter role and work around whatever physical issues he may be having related to the workload. Instead, a spot in the bullpen seems to be the target for him, at least for the rest of this year.

Cabrera’s stuff and his ability to generate swings and misses would be extremely useful in the bullpen, especially in late-inning, high-leverage situations. For the Cubs, who’ve had a multitude of injury-related bullpen issues, another strong, healthy arm would be an absolute godsend.

Apparently, the team is already working on getting him used to his new role.

Per Chicago Cubs beat reporter Tony Andracki:

“Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said on @thescorechicago the Cubs are having Edward Cabrera work in a simulated situation tomorrow, entering in the middle of an inning.

Cubs are trying to get him used to experiences as a reliever before he comes back to help the team in bullpen.

Cabrera has only made 2 relief appearances in his MLB career, so it’s a very new thing for him.

Cubs are planning to use him in short bursts as reliever to protect him from the blister issues that have cropped up all season and hope he can help a much-maligned bullpen.”

“Hail Mary” bullpen options

Cabrera didn’t look great in his first rehab appearance as a reliever on Tuesday. He gave up one run on four hits in an inning pitched, although he did strike out two. The hope is that his issues were purely the result of rust.

As Cabrera is being prepped for a relief role, the Cubs also have veterans Shelby Miller and Justin Steele working through their own rehab assignments in the minors, also with the idea that if they do return to the major league team this season, it’ll be in the bullpen.

These are the kinds of “Hail Mary” options the team has been forced into considering as a result of a bullpen that has been devastated by injury and, most recently, sudden mass instability—just as they make their way to the playoffs.

Over the offseason, decisions will then have to be made about Cabrera and his permanent role on the team.