Cubs ditch six-man rotation, decide between Adbert Alzolay, Tyler Chatwood

For now, the Cubs are sticking with Adbert Alzolay as a starting pitcher. (Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

by Cole Little - Senior Writer - Jun 28, 2019, 8:18 PM

CHICAGO — Approximately a week after opting to utilize a six-man starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs decided to abandon the six-man approach and revert back to utilizing a five-man rotation. Likely as a result of Tyler Chatwood, a starter turned reliever who was filling in as a starter with starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks on the injured list, struggling on the mound on Thursday, the Cubs opted to stick with recent call-up Adbert Alzolay as a starter while sending Chatwood back to the bullpen.

The projected starting hurlers for the Cubs' current 3-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds and upcoming 4-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates were released on Friday, and Chatwood was not listed as one of the starters, thereby indicating that his short-lived starting stint had been put to an end. Interestingly, if Alzolay continues to shine, the Cubs could potentially bring back the six-man rotation once Hendricks returns. Also of note, starter Cole Hamels' injury suffered early in his Friday start could usher Chatwood back into the rotation for the time being.