CHICAGO _ The Cubs have their closer of the future should Wade Davis earn a lucrative free-agent contract in the winter.
Carl Edwards Jr. joined Davis to become the Cubs' first relief combination to each allow no earned runs in the first month while pitching at least 10 innings.
"He's going to keep getting better and better," manager Joe Maddon said of Edwards, 25, whom the Cubs have nurtured since he made the transition from minor-league starter in 2015. "He'll be a closer someday, there's no doubt.
"The biggest thing is to not abuse him as he's getting bigger and stronger. His stuff plays against righties and lefties and he knows how to pitch, having been a starter for a bit."
Edwards earned two saves last season and came within one out of earning the save in Game 7 of the World Series.
The Cubs still have Hector Rondon, who served as their closer in 2015 and the first half of 2016, but Edwards is earning duties in more high-leverage situations.
"Wade knows how to pitch," Maddon said. "Rafael Soriano knows how to pitch. CJ knows how to pitch. So it's nice to get those guys at the end of the game that aren't just throwing and have more than one weapon.
"This guy can do several different things. But I like his ability to breathe and be right here. It's outstanding to watch."
