Cubs Notes: Rusin Claimed By Rockies, Cubs Strike Out 16 Times in Loss to Brewers
Left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin has been claimed by the Colorado Rockies, according to the MLB transactions page.
Always lurking in the minor leagues the past couple years, the Cubs never seemed to commit to Rusin, either as a mainstay in the rotation or bullpen, so it isn’t a huge shock to see him go. He appeared in only four games for the Cubs this year, sporting a 7.11 ERA in 12.2 innings.
The Cubs must feel better about their other left-handed options, including Zac Rosscup, Wesley Wright and Eric Jockisch, and figured Rusin was expendable. Although, Wright was signed to only a one-year deal, so it’s not clear whether he’ll be back either.
(Aside from a rough first couple weeks, I thought Wright did a nice job this year; wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Cubs uniform next season.)
Rusin was on the 40-man roster, so the move clears up a spot for the Cubs.
More strikeouts
We’ve been talking a lot about the Cubs’ strikeout issues lately, with differing opinions on whether we all should be panicking.
I haven’t made up my mind on the matter, but I’m leaning toward slightly-ultra-worried.
In Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Brewers, the Cubs struck out a whopping 16 times. Every Cub in the lineup went down on strikes at least once.
The Cubs have struck out at least that many times in a game six times this season, according to Gordon Wittenmyer. Sheesh.
Other notes
* Edwin Jackson pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen Saturday. He walked one. Will we see more of this next year? Or is Jackson gone during the off-season? I would say if he does, in fact, stick with the Cubs, he would be in a bullpen role.
* Starlin Castro told the media that he would be playing right now if the Cubs were in contention for a playoff spot. “It wouldn’t make sense to play in 1-2 games,” he told Jesse Rogers before Saturday’s game. “We don’t need it.” This makes sense to me: No use risking anything at this point. I’m sure Castro is dying to get out there, however.
