Keegan Thompson’s time to join the Chicago Cubs rotation has arrived.
Manager David Ross confirmed Friday that the rookie right-hander will start Saturday against the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field. Thompson had been at Triple-A Iowa stretching out, following the same path the Cubs utilized with left-hander Justin Steele: gain experience in the big-league bullpen and then build up length at Triple A before getting an opportunity over these final weeks to show the organization what he can do in the majors as a starter.
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Thompson’s only other MLB start occurred May 4, which coincided with his second big-league appearance. He held the Los Angeles Dodgers scoreless and allowed two hits in 3? innings.
Thompson, 26, shut down minor-league hitters during his four starts with Iowa. He did not surrender a run in 14? innings while striking out 16 and walking five. Opposing batters hit .102 with a .125 slugging percentage against him. In his final start for Iowa on Sunday, Thompson threw 4? perfect innings.
“Just all the way around I thought really good stuff, threw strikes with some strikeouts in there — just efficient with his pitch mix and it looked like just a normal start,” Ross said. “He dominated. When you have these guys go down there and dominate, which they should and with his success he’s had here, just getting his pitch count up, it’s a good indication that as soon as they’re ready to be able to start and give you some length in there, they’re ready.”
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay (left hamstring strain) continues to progress. He threw a bullpen Friday, which went well according to Ross. Alzolay is eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday.
“We’ll see how he reacts (Saturday), continue to get him on a plan,” Ross said. “Hopefully he’s not too far away.”
Willson Contreras (right knee sprain) was scheduled to be examined Friday after he hit in the cage. Ross described his status as “things are moving well” but didn’t indicate any further timetable for his return.
Nico Hoerner (right oblique strain) hit on the field and participated during pregame infield work, taking balls at shortstop and seemingly not holding back. He will keep getting work in through the weekend, and if goes well, Ross anticipates Hoerner starting a rehab assignment early next week.
Hoerner has missed 22 games because of his injury, the second time this season he’s been on the IL. He has been limited to only 39 games with the Cubs this season.
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