Cubs Option Rosario to AAA Iowa, Maddon Reiterates Desire for Eight Relievers
The Cubs have optioned left-handed reliever Randy Rosario to AAA, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Rosario optioned to Triple-A
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 23, 2018
Rosario appeared in seven games this spring, accruing 7.1 IP and posting a 3.68 ERA with six strikeouts and five walks. He was far from stellar in his first major league action with the Twins last year, though that was in a very limited sample. The lefty will serve as bullpen depth and could see time in Chicago if there are significant injuries or if the Cubs simply need to adopt a next-man-up strategy at the back end of the ‘pen.
With that in mind, Joe Maddon told reporters prior to Friday’s game that he indeed plans to carry eight bullpen pitchers to open the season. This is something he had mentioned earlier in the spring, though recent remarks had cast some doubt on those plans.
Joe Maddon told reporters that he Cubs will carry 8 bullpen men .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) March 23, 2018
This essentially closes the door on non-roster invitees Peter Bourjos and Ryan Court to crack the Opening Day roster. The remaining questions surrounding the final choice(s) for the 25 men to break camp include who the backup catcher will be, whether Pedro Strop will start on the 10-day DL, and who will occupy that last bullpen spot.
