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After the Chicago Cubs broke apart the core of players responsible for the World Series championship, fans were left with very little to cheer for. Many players have come and gone, with just a few remaining from those dark days of 2021 and 2022. However, one of the players who stuck around through it all and continues to make a positive impression on the North Side of Chicago is Patrick Wisdom.
Wisdom played 41 career games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners before joining the Cubs in 2020. After just two pinch-hit at-bats in the 2020 shortened COVID season, 2021 was his official rookie season. He got plenty of playing time, especially after the trade deadline. In 106 games, he hit 28 home runs. He finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
In all three full seasons with the Cubs, Wisdom had at least 20 home runs. But his career batting average is just .214. Discipline has been a problem for him. In 380 games, Wisdom has struck out 481 times. In today’s game, you’ll take the strikeouts as they come when you are getting that kind of power.
Wisdom played in just six spring games before tweaking his back. As the regular season began, the Cubs placed him on the injured list. Backs are definitely nothing to take lightly, so the Cubs opted to take it safe and let him heel completely before beginning a long season. So far, that decision has worked perfectly.
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Patrick Wisdom’s Rehab Success Bodes Well For Cubs And Future Lineups
Patrick Wisdom has fifteen at-bats in his rehab assignment with AAA Iowa. He has five hits, including a double and two home runs, with seven runs batted in. His swing looks like it is returning to its effortless form. His latest start was not as pretty as the first couple, going 0-3 with a walk and three strikeouts. But the overall line provides promise.
Wisdom will presumably be back with the Cubs sometime on this road trip. When he does, a roster spot will have to be made for him to return. At first glance, it feels like utility player Miles Mastrobuoni will be the odd man out and optioned to AAA Iowa. It’s nothing against him and his play; it’s just that Wisdom’s power off the bench will be more valuable.
The role will be more reserved for Wisdom when he does come back. He may get a start or two at third or first base against left-handed pitchers, but he will most likely be used as a pinch-hitter off the bench in most cases. Either way, it will be nice for the Cubs to have a power bat return to the dugout to keep this offense going in the right direction.
Wisdom does offer added pop to the team. He can DH, play first, or third base, and can offer “off days” to the everyday starters.
It will be an upgrade for the roster. IMO
This is what sucks about today’s game! You take the K’s as long as you can hit 20 hr a year?!?! I remember a time when if you struck out it was the worst thing you could do. No thanks on wisdom. Like him as a person but not in the lineup! Give me a player with a .280 average and a great obp over 20 HRs any day of the week!!!