The Cubs started spring training with a few minor injuries to a couple pitchers and a scary HBP to David Bote. Luckily, things are trending in the right direction on the injury front for the Cubs.
Right-handed pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay felt something in his side right before pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa. No damage was found, but the Cubs took extreme precaution with Alzolay after he missed most of 2018 with a lat strain.
He’s now scheduled to resume throwing later this week.
Cubs pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay scheduled to resume throwing (light catch) later this week (Thur or Fri).
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2019
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Left-hander Mike Montgomery was suffering from shoulder stiffness that set him back a few days. He threw off a mound Tuesday and all is good moving forward with him.
Montgomery threw 30 pitches off mound today, said he felt great. Tested all pitches. Was really pleased with curve. Next step is live BP in three days. Not worried about Opening Day availability.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2019
Montgomery will once again play the role of the swingman for the Cubs. He’ll be called upon to make any emergency starts if a pitcher from the rotation has an injury. He’ll also be one of two lefties in the bullpen for the Cubs and gives Joe Maddon the ability to pitch a few innings at a time from the pen.
And maybe the most concerning part from the beginning of spring training games was David Bote’s HBP. He got beaned in the head during Sunday’s game against the Giants and was noticeably shaken up.
The good news is that Bote has been cleared to return to action.
Bote said he is not in MLB concussion protocol. Cleared. No symptoms. Said Bumgarner called and texted to check on him and apologize.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2019
David Bote taking BP… pic.twitter.com/mVamhYIdkQ
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2019
Speaking of coming back to action, Yu Darvish is making his spring debut against the Diamondbacks!
Here is today's #Cubs lineup at @SloanParkMesa. https://t.co/DxrhKYlFII pic.twitter.com/mO7yPPl7XA
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 26, 2019
Darvish says he feels a lot better this camp compared to last year and his velocity is up too. Big year coming for Yu.
