How does Ross spell relief? T-h-o-m-p-s-o-n
Although parts of the Cubs' starting rotation is struggling a bit of late, manager David Ross is not planning to promote the red-hot Keegan Thompson from the bullpen.
The 27-year-old Thompson, who made 6 starts in 32 appearances in 2021, has yet to allow a run in 9⅔ innings. He's yielded just 4 hits, walked 2 and struck out 10.
Thompson really opened some eyes in his last appearance, needing just 39 pitches to get through 3⅔ innings against Tampa Bay on Monday.
"I was getting texts from a number of people - both with the organization and outside the organization that have been with us - (about) how exceptional he looked," said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. "I mean he was in total command of everything. ... That was exciting to see. Really happy for him."
Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly currently hold down the top four spots in the rotation. Mark Leiter Jr., who is slated to face Pittsburgh on Thursday, is the fifth starter. Leiter allowed 7 earned runs to Colorado in his only start, and Steele gave up 4 to Tampa Bay in just 2⅔ innings Tuesday.
Despite the staff's inconsistencies, Ross likes Thompson right where he's at.
"Right now it's an extremely valuable piece that we don't want to lose in the bullpen," Ross said. "Do I think he could start in the major leagues? Sure. Do I think his value for our setup is where he's at? Yes."
So does Thompson want to start?
He had a quick response to that question, saying: "I'll do whatever they want me to do so I can stay up here."
Said Ross: "That's a good answer. That's what I would make them all say."
Whiz kid:
Patrick Wisdom came into Wednesday's game 9-for-36 on the season, with 7 of his hits going for extra bases (5 doubles, 2 home runs). It continues a trend from last season when 41 of Wisdom's 78 hits were doubles (13) or homers (28).
"I'm up there trying to do damage - hit the ball hard, take my 'A' swing every single time," said Wisdom, who began the campaign 1-for-21. "Just hit where they're not and I keep running until they stop me."
Wisdom's 30 home runs since May 25 of last season were tied for third through Wednesday with the Phillies' Bryce Harper. Only the Mets' Pete Alonso (34) and the Reds' Joey Votto (31) have more.
Around the horn:
Seiya Suzuki (11 RBI) and Patrick Wisdom (10) entered Wednesday's games as one of two teammates to have reached the 10-RBI mark. They join the Mets' Pete Alonso (14) and Starling Marte (10). ... Through 11 games the Cubs were batting .266 and had a .349 on-base percentage. Last year through 11 games they were hitting .167 with a .261 OBP.