Getting good starting pitching is what organizations across the MLB wish happened all the time. And that’s exactly what the Chicago Cubs are getting early on in the 2022 season.
Through their first four games, the Cubs are 3-1 backed by some quality starting pitching from Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Marcus Stroman and most recently, Drew Smyly. The starters are a combined 2-0 this season through four games with Hendricks and Stroman the two not getting a win or a loss.
It may be a small sample size, but all four starters have been great so far to start off the 2022 campaign.
The Cubs coaching staff, front office, and the fans have to be ecstatic about what they are seeing out of this starting rotation to kick off the season. Despite not getting the win, Hendricks got things going on Opening Day, pitching 5.1 innings while giving up just 1 earned run on 5 hits and striking out 7. Keeping the ball down and painting corners is so important for Hendricks’ game out there on the mound.
Justin Steele followed Hendricks in game two throwing five scoreless innings on Saturday in a 9-0 route of Milwaukee. Steele outperformed hard throwing right-hander Brandon Woodruff which was impressive for the young lefty who is only in his second season at the MLB level.
If Steele can take a step forward this year, he can be a solid No. 2 behind Hendricks.
justin steele was just a goddamn bulldog out there today. nothing else to say other than grit, talent & some good old alabama toughness pic.twitter.com/v2dUxF5VBE
— DOM (@DOM_Frederic) April 9, 2022
The long-awaited Cubs debut had to wait until Sunday afternoon for star pitcher Marcus Stroman. It did not disappoint as Stroman only allowed 2 hits, and struck out five at Wrigley Field while giving up just one earned run.
On Monday, Drew Smyly finally was able to actually pitch for the Cubs. Smyly was brought into the organization a few years back, but never got to actually pitch for the Cubs other than one minor league rehab outing. Drew Smyly went out there and did exactly what the Cubs envisioned when they signed him again this past offseason. The crafty left hander threw five scoreless innings, and only giving up three hits against the Pirates.
The Cubs starting pitching totals through four games is 20.1 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, 7 walks, and 16 strikeouts. Those are very impressive numbers. Again it is a small sample size, but as a fan you have to be thrilled for the staff. Wade Miley has not pitched yet due to being on the injured list, but the veteran pitcher should fit right in soon enough with this pitching staff to round out the starting five in the near future.
One time through the rotation
Hendricks: 5.1 IP, 7 K, 1 ER@J_Steele21: 5 IP, 5 K, 0 ER@STR0: 5 IP, 3 K, 1 ER
Smyly: 5 IP, 1K, 0 ER#ItsDifferentHere pic.twitter.com/5ye2Y78Wk6— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 13, 2022
David Ross and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy are being extremely smart to start off the year with the starters. With a shortened spring training there is no need to overextend the starters right now. These four starters would love to be going deeper than five innings and they will eventually, but the first week of the season is not the time to be throwing any of these guys out there with a well rested bullpen. Nobody wants to see any of the starters go down with an injury by pushing the limits in early April.
Hopefully for the Cubs their great staring pitching can continue and they can really get off to a fast start in 2022 and maybe surprise a few people along the way.
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