Cubs Roster Update: Floro Recalled, Leathersich Optioned
If you didn’t know it was coming the moment he entered the game, Jack Leathersich’s performance in two-thirds of an inning during Thursday’s debacle sealed his fate. To be fair, the Cubs have had the same MO all season when it comes to the last spot in the pen, which is that a guy will be sent down immediately after pitching. Then they bring up the next pitcher in line who has exceeded the mandatory 10 days for an optioned player.
Leathersich has put up huge strikeout numbers in the minors, but he’s walked a prolific number of batters too. Entering with one out in the 3rd inning and men on second and third with the Cubs already trailing 5-0, the lefty reliever proceeded to walk the first three batters he faced. That pushed things to 7-0, after which Leathersich gave up a sac fly and a double to push it to 9-0 before walking one more and picking up a strikeout to mercifully end the inning.
Taking his place on the roster will be righty Dylan Floro, who’s up for what feels like the 68th time already this year. I’m actually shocked that he’s only appeared in two games, both of which have been Jake Arrieta starts. Floro’s last time out was back on May 21 against Milwaukee, a game in which he was forced to wear one with the Cubs holding a huge lead. If all goes well, he’ll only be needed for mop-up duty this time around as well.