Ethan Roberts’ scoreless spring appearances and improved velocity put him in strong contention for a coveted Cubs bullpen spot on Opening Day.
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Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I’m Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs, and the bullpen situation remains up in the air, but one player who is making his way into the opening day roster for the bullpen is Ethan Roberts.
I’m Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs, and the bullpen situation remains up in the air, but one player who is making his way into the opening day roster for the bullpen is Ethan Roberts.
Roberts has looked good this spring, has appeared in three games for the Cubs, three scoreless innings, one hit, one walk, two strikeouts.
Roberts has looked good this spring, has appeared in three games for the Cubs, three scoreless innings, one hit, one walk, two strikeouts.
He has looked good, and most notably, he has looked good limiting hard contact.
He has looked good, and most notably, he has looked good limiting hard contact.
The strikeout numbers haven’t been there in these sp- three spring training games, but the, the hard hit rate is extremely low, and that’s a good sign for Ethan Roberts, who is coming off a great Triple-A season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
The strikeout numbers haven’t been there in these sp- three spring training games, but the, the hard hit rate is extremely low, and that’s a good sign for Ethan Roberts, who is coming off a great Triple-A season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
Last year, a sub 2.7 ERA down in Triple-A.
Last year, a sub 2.7 ERA down in Triple-A.
Good strikeout numbers down there.
Good strikeout numbers down there.
Good WHIP rate down there.
Good WHIP rate down there.
Limited hard contact, and he had a expected batting average against of 1.96.
Limited hard contact, and he had a expected batting average against of 1.96.
So good numbers for Roberts last year, and I know that Roberts, when he did get his chance in the big leagues, didn’t really look great.
So good numbers for Roberts last year, and I know that Roberts, when he did get his chance in the big leagues, didn’t really look great.
He had a 9 ERA across 10 appearances, nine innings pitched.
He had a 9 ERA across 10 appearances, nine innings pitched.
But he still showed some good things, some encouraging signs in those 10 appearances.
But he still showed some good things, some encouraging signs in those 10 appearances.
He had a high chase rate, which is good, a low walk rate, which is good, and he limited hard contact.
He had a high chase rate, which is good, a low walk rate, which is good, and he limited hard contact.
Those are three big things for Roberts, and I think we’re looking at Roberts here, and he does have a shot to make the opening day roster.
Those are three big things for Roberts, and I think we’re looking at Roberts here, and he does have a shot to make the opening day roster.
Now, there’s a lot of relievers who are in the mix to kind of be in that final bullpen spot ahead of opening day, but I think Roberts is one of those pitchers who is in the mix.
Now, there’s a lot of relievers who are in the mix to kind of be in that final bullpen spot ahead of opening day, but I think Roberts is one of those pitchers who is in the mix.
He’s someone that has pitched well this spring, pitched well in Triple-A last year, and we could obviously see Roberts take that next step this year.
He’s someone that has pitched well this spring, pitched well in Triple-A last year, and we could obviously see Roberts take that next step this year.
Let me know what you guys think about Roberts potentially making the Cubs’ opening day roster.
Let me know what you guys think about Roberts potentially making the Cubs’ opening day roster.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.