Roster Update: Adam Warren Sent Down to Make Room for Joe Nathan
As we reported yesterday, Joe Nathan is joining the Chicago Cubs today in Milwaukee for their final game of the series. That means that there needed to be a corresponding roster move to make room for Joe. Today we found out that move involves sending Adam Warren down to triple A Iowa.
#Cubs option Adam Warren to Iowa, activate Joe Nathan who says he feels like it’s opening day
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 24, 2016
What’s not clear is if the demotion of Warren is due to his performance – 5.91 ERA and 5.83 FIP – or if it’s meant to give him some time to get stretched out to make another spot start for the Cubs. If you recall, Warren made a start on July 6 against Cincinnati, giving up one run and and three hits over five quality innings.
While I’m not entirely surprised to see Warren being sent down, particularly if it’s to get him stretched for another start, I have to wonder how much longer Joe Maddon is going to give Clayton Richard to get his issues straightened out.
Last night Richard came into the game and faced two batters. The first hit a double and he pegged the next batter prompting Joe to pull him after another ineffective outing. For the season, Richard is sporting a lofty 6.75 ERA but that’s accompanied by a much higher than ordinary .415 BABIP.
We’ll have to see what happens, but I won’t be surprised if this is a temporary demotion for Warren leading to the eventual demotion for Richard, especially once Joe Nathan and Mike Montgomery have a chance to get settled into the bullpen.
