Adbert Alzolay took the mound against a Dodgers lineup full of World Series champions on
Thursday night. The environment had a regular-season feel, with the lights on and pressure on Alzolay with every pitch.
"He went in there and kind of rolled through that lineup," Cubs manager David Ross said on Saturday. "That was impressive to see."
That performance helped seal Chicago's decision to not only put Alzolay on the Opening Day roster, but also to name him the fifth starter. The Cubs recently learned that Alzolay has a fourth Minor League option for this season, but the righty convinced the club to take him north.
As things currently stand, the Cubs' rotation will feature (in order): Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, Zach Davies, Trevor Williams and Alzolay. Right-hander Alec Mills will start the season in a multi-inning bullpen role, but he will be a candidate for starts as the season progresses.
Veteran Shelby Miller, who came to camp as a non-roster invitee, was reassigned to Minor League camp ahead of his start against the Reds on Saturday night. This spring, Miller has hovered around 93-95 mph with his fastball, while flashing an impressive slider. He worked three innings Saturday vs. the Reds, allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts and a walk.
"I think Shelby's going to contribute to our team," Ross said. "I have no doubt about that. He's another guy that's had a great spring. I think he's going to be a big piece for us."
The 26-year-old Alzolay -- who arguably has the best "stuff" within the Cubs' contact-based rotation -- put on a show in the first few innings against the Dodgers. He struck out five in 3 2/3 innings, including punchouts against the likes of Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger.
The Cubs know they will have to manage Alzolay's innings carefully in the upcoming campaign, but the team did not want to deny him a spot in the Opening Day rotation.
"He was extremely happy when I told him the good news," Ross said. "Making that Opening Day [roster] and getting that news is big, and Adbert was fired up. It was nice to be able to deliver that news to somebody that you see put in real work."