Wicks called up, to start vs. Bucs in big league debut

PITTSBURGH – The Cubs envisioned lefty Jordan Wicks as a quick riser after they used their first-round choose to draft the Kansas State pitcher two years in the past. His regular climb up the organizational ladder has backed up that perception, and the starter is now set for his Major League debut.

On Saturday, the Cubs introduced that Wicks was being promoted from Triple-A Iowa to be able to begin in opposition to the Pirates at PNC Park. That will drop the polished prospect – ranked No. 10 by MLB Pipeline on the Cubs’ Top 30 checklist – into the center of a playoff chase for the North Siders.

Chicago’s want for a rotation reinforcement arose out of two developments: All-Star Marcus Stroman (fractured proper rib cartilage) is on the injured checklist with out a clear timetable for return, and the Cubs have opted to maneuver struggling starter Drew Smyly into the bullpen.

The corresponding roster transfer so as to add Wicks was but to be introduced. With Wicks being added to start out on Saturday, the Cubs pushed right-hander Javier Assad’s scheduled begin to Sunday’s collection finale in Pittsburgh.

Selected twenty first general within the 2021 Draft, Wicks has gone 7-0 with a 3.55 ERA and 99 strikeouts in opposition to 32 walks in 91 1/3 innings (20 begins) this season between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. His 4 most up-to-date outings with Iowa featured a 2.29 ERA over 19 2/3 innings.

Wicks, who will flip 24 on Friday, is finest identified for his signature changeup, which made him arguably the highest collegiate arm within the ‘21 Draft. That pitch is a part of a deep arsenal that features a four-seamer that sits round 92-94 mph, a sinker, slider, curveball and cutter.