With all due respect to Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Shota Imanaga—each of whom has contributed at different points—it’s a serious concern that they currently make up roughly 75 percent of the Cubs’ rotation, especially now that the team has finally moved on from Jordan Wicks.
Taillon turned in an outstanding performance against the Athletics earlier this week, allowing just two runs over 6 1/3 innings. Unfortunately, the Cubs’ struggling offense wasted the effort in a loss. Even so, the persistent home-run issues affecting both Taillon and Imanaga have become increasingly problematic, and the lack of pitching depth has left the team with few alternatives.
That could be about to change. Edward Cabrera is set to rejoin the rotation this week without a rehab assignment. While the blister that sidelined him wasn’t severe enough to demand one, his return is driven largely by necessity.
Matthew Boyd may not be far behind. Sidelined since early May following a minor knee procedure, Boyd is scheduled to make his second rehab start in Iowa this weekend. If everything goes smoothly, he should be close to returning to the major-league club.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of reinforcements before the Athletics series, noting that the team needs healthy arms back and that all indications suggest both pitchers will return soon.
Cabrera is expected to start Saturday against the Giants, a favorable matchup against one of the league’s weakest offenses. He opened his Cubs tenure in dominant fashion with 11 2/3 scoreless innings across his first two starts, but that success was followed by a rough stretch in which he allowed three or more runs in seven straight outings before leaving his last start early due to the blister. While injuries are part of his profile, this one was minor, and he has at least shown an ability to provide length, completing five or more innings in each of his first eight starts this season.
Boyd, meanwhile, needs to prove his health in what is hopefully his final rehab appearance. He allowed two earned runs over four innings in his first outing and reported no issues with his knee afterward. Despite a 6.00 ERA this season, his underlying numbers have been excellent, including a 2.34 FIP. If he continues to pile up strikeouts and limit walks, the results should eventually reflect that performance.