Cubs News: Maddon discusses the status of Yu Darvish |
One of the key components for the Chicago Cubs to contend in 2019 and keep open their 'championship window' is to get
Yu Darvish pitching up to this potential.
Darvish had elbow surgery in September and expected to be ready for the start of spring training. Cubs manager Joe Maddon spoke to the media at his annual Thankmas dinner on Thursday and talked about the possible comeback year with Darvish. "That could be a real difference-maker right there," Maddon said. "We know how good he is. Being a part of the five starters could make a huge difference for us. That would permit us to rearrange the bullpen in other ways. I am hearing nothing but good things about Yu. We will see what he can do when he gets to camp, and we see him on a more consistent basis. This guy is a difference-maker. If we can get him out there with any kind of regularity, heads up." Darvish battled injuries last season pitching in just eight starts with a 1-3 record, 4.95 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. If Darvish is healthy and reliable in 2019, the Cubs starters should be one of the best in baseball with a veteran group consisting of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Cole Hamels, Jose Quintana, and Darvish.
