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Cubs Select Chris Flexen to Bolster Pitching Staff
about 1 year agoUS
The Chicago Cubs have called up veteran right-hander Chris Flexen from Triple-A Iowa to reinforce their pitching staff. This move comes as Flexen was nearing an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, and the Cubs recognized his strong performance in Triple-A.
Key Insights
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Chris Flexen, 30, has been performing exceptionally well in Triple-A Iowa, posting a 1.16 ERA in five starts.
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Flexen made an arm slot change that the Cubs believe has contributed to his improved performance.
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To make room for Flexen, Javier Assad was moved to the 60-day IL, and Tom Cosgrove was optioned to Triple-A.
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Flexen's versatility as both a starter and reliever provides valuable depth to the Cubs' pitching options.
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Why this matters: Flexen's addition addresses potential weaknesses in the Cubs' pitching rotation and bullpen, providing much-needed support as they navigate a demanding schedule.
In-Depth Analysis
Chris Flexen's journey back to the major leagues is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After struggling with the Mets early in his career, he reinvented himself in the Korea Baseball Organization before returning to the MLB with the Mariners. His early success in Triple-A Iowa, marked by a significant improvement in his ERA and strikeout rate, prompted the Cubs to add him to their roster.
The Cubs' pitching staff has been solid but not without flaws. With Justin Steele sidelined due to injury, the team needs reliable options to support Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd. Ben Brown's inconsistency and the need for bullpen depth make Flexen a valuable addition.
Flexen's role with the Cubs is expected to be a multi-inning middle reliever, providing length and flexibility to manager Craig Counsell. His experience as a starter also means he could fill in if needed. The Cubs are hoping that Flexen can recapture the form he showed with the Mariners in 2021-2022, where he posted a 3.66 ERA in 317 2/3 innings.
FAQs
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Q: Why did the Cubs call up Chris Flexen?
Flexen was performing well in Triple-A, and he had an opt-out clause in his contract.
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Q: What role will Flexen play on the Cubs?
He is expected to be a multi-inning middle reliever, providing depth and versatility to the pitching staff.
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Q: Who made room for Flexen on the roster?
Javier Assad was moved to the 60-day IL, and Tom Cosgrove was optioned to Triple-A.
Key Takeaways
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Chris Flexen's promotion addresses the Cubs' need for pitching depth.
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His ability to pitch as both a starter and reliever makes him a valuable asset.
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The Cubs are banking on Flexen's improved arm slot and Triple-A success translating to the major league level.
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Keep an eye on how Flexen's performance impacts the Cubs' bullpen and rotation moving forward.
Discussion
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