The Cubs will be getting Adbert Alzolay back tomorrow, which is certainly great news for them as they continue to battle for the final Wild Card spot in the National League.
Julian Merryweather had been filling in for Alzolay, but has had serious command issues this month, walking 10 batters over 10.1 IP and has managed just two saves in Alzolay’s absence. He should still function as the teams top setup option this weekend, but they do have the difficult task of going against the Brewers in Milwaukee.
Fortunately for the Cubs, the Brewers have already clinched a playoff spot and are locked into the #3 seed, so with nothing really to play for, the Cubs may be able to squeak out a couple of wins and clinch their first playoff berth since 2020.
Notes
- Josh Sborz is back in the Rangers bullpen, and could go right back into seeing high leverage work as this team needs to find it’s bullpen identity leading into the postseason. When healthy, Sborz had been one of the best relievers in baseball but has dealt with some injuries since July, so rostering him now is a bit of a risk. The Rangers head into Seattle this weekend needing to win at least one game, and with the Mariners lineup pressing at the moment, I wouldn’t be too concerned with rostering the Rangers bullpen.
- Brock Stewart has also returned, and while he’s been out since June, Stewart had worked his way into a set up role for the Twins before the injury and was on his way to a career year. His role is up in the air as well, but I think the Twins can afford to take things easy with him this weekend in Colorado or perhaps this weekend will be a test to see where Stewart is at and if he can be counted on for high leverage work in October.
- Mark Leiter Jr. has had a rough month, and has now allowed 8 ER, 12 hits and 6 walks over his past 7 innings, only striking out 3 over that span as well. Even with Alzolay out, he has just 1 SV+HLD since September 1st as the Cubs have leaned on Jose Cuas in set up situations lately. Cuas has been solid, nothing flashy, for the Cubs but has done a good job of limiting walks this past month, something neither Merryweather or Leiter can say.
- Louie Varland may have worked his way into a setup role for the Twins just before the team starts its postseason run, as the starter turned reliever has picked up two holds over the past week. Varland has allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits, also posting an impressive 14/1 K/BB rate over 10.1 relief innings this month. The short innings role has allowed Varland to up his velocity, now sitting 98-99 MPH with his fastball and 91-92 MPH with his cutter. With Stewart back now, it remains to be seen if Varland can hang onto this set up role, but it certainly looks like a great potential role for him moving forward.
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