Brian Duensing had an excellent 2017 with the Chicago Cubs and he re-signed in the offseason, actually taking less money to return to the North Side in free agency.
Duensing was once a pleasant surprise and now he’s public enemy number one among Cubs’ fans. The lefty has a 7.34 ERA and 1.83 WHIP after allowing two more runs on four hits and walk Thursday night against the San Diego Padres.
The dramatic decline since May for Duensing has been incredible, giving up 24 earned runs in his last 16.2 innings. He was placed on the DL in July and before Friday’s game against San Diego the Cubs sidelined him again.
Taking his place was fellow lefty Randy Rosario.
The #Cubs today placed LHP Brian Duensing on the 10-day DL with left shoulder inflammation and recalled LHP Randy Rosario from @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/dHvDhyJMXB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 3, 2018
Rosario was optioned down a few days ago, when newly acquired reliever Brandon Kintzler was added to the bullpen. Someone had to go and Rosario was the odd-man out, although it should have been Duensing in the first place.
Joe Maddon confirmed that Rosario was upset about the demotion, but the good thing for the pitcher and the Cubs is that it didn’t last long.
Bring back the 🐐 pic.twitter.com/sY71NTSr3F
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 3, 2018
THE GOAT IS BACK!
Theo Epstein was on 670 The Score Friday morning and said they just really want to get Duensing right.
Theo Epstein on sending Randy Rosario to Triple-A: "He's going to be here. It's not going to be a long absence … (Brian) Duensing is a guy we're trying to get right."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 3, 2018
So, Duensing is out for now at least.
