Cubs manager David Ross named reliever Craig Kimbrel his closer with pitchers and catchers set to report to camp on Wednesday.
“Craig is going to be our closer,” Ross said. “He went through a little bit of bumps [in 2020] and he worked his way back into being himself.”
Kimbrel struggled significantly to start the 2020 season, and after allowing at least one earned run in four consecutive appearances, MLB’s active saves leader was demoted from his role as closer.
The 32-year old right-hander built himself up and got his fastball velocity to return in the process and showed the 100 mph heater that the Cubs expected after signing him in 2019. Kimbrel had a 1.54 ERA in his last 13 appearances in 2020 with 24 strikeouts and only six walks.
“Talking to him, he feels great. This offseason, the work and the videos he sent in, he looks really polished already,” Ross said. “He’s a veteran guy, knows how to prepare himself for spring training. We’ll give him a pretty long runway just to get ready. And as long as Craig is who we know he can be, he’s going to be our closer.”
Rowan Wick, Kyle Ryan won’t start spring on time
Right-hander Rowan Wick (intercostal injury) and left-hander Kyle Ryan (COVID-19 protocols) will be delayed in their start to the spring, according to president Jed Hoyer.
Wick, who’s expected to be one of the Cubs’ high-leverage relievers, missed the end of the 2020 season and postseason with a left oblique strain. Since coming over from San Diego in 2019, Wick has a 2.66 ERA in 50 games for the Cubs. Ryan struggled last season, going 1-0 with a 5.17 ERA in 18 games after a successful ‘19 season.
“I expect [Ryan] to be somewhat delayed,” Hoyer said. Other than that right now, I don’t expect anyone else to be delayed. I guess I would just caution everyone, as we go through this, there’s gonna be a lot of delays.
“I think with Kyle, I think he’ll be placed on the [COVID] list. But ... I would just caution everyone, there’s gonna be a lot of delays with these protocols.”
The Cubs were one of eight teams who didn’t have a positive player test last season and were the only team who didn’t have a positive player test following the team’s initial intake testing in 2020.
With the latest news of Wick and Ryan, Hoyer hinted that the Cubs will be adding a reliever to the bullpen on a Major-League deal in the coming days. The bullpen was the only area the Cubs hadn’t had a major addition this offseason.
“I think the bullpen is gonna have to be fluid, and guys are gonna have to step up and step in different roles,” Hoyer said.
