Dillon Maples has the big arm that could potentially fill the present voids of Brandon Morrow and Carl Edwards Jr. In three appearances since being promoted from Triple-A Iowa, Maples has yet to allow a hit in 2 2/3 innings, over which he has walked five while struck out six.
Morrow's continued elbow issues make him a longshot to help the team in the closer's role in 2019. Edwards' mechanical problems resulted in a demotion to Triple-A in early April. The need for a power arm with a crazy breaking slider make the 26-year-old Maples an intriguing player to watch develop.
"Look, I want to put in a greater body of work before I start reflecting about my brief time here," Maples said. "This has been the first time where I have been at this level for more than a few days. So, it is nice to get into a little groove. This is better now to get to know the guys and the surroundings. It is not this whirlwind of activity. I can take a breath and be the same guy I was a Triple-A and be successful. I can just think about executing pitches."
Under the guidance of Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, assistant pitching coach Mike Borzello and bullpen coach Lester Strode, Maples is refining his delivery. The Cubs aren't trying to give Maples too much in the way of instruction, believing he must first find a comfort level in his first extended time in the big leagues.
"I believe he can harness it," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "This is better. This is for sure better than it has been. Yes, he still runs into those moments. This year at the Triple-A level, he has been a little more consistent. That all tells me he can be that way here as well.
"For years, I have talked about a guy's body showing up in the major leagues, but his mind does not. I am not trying to be smug or smart. It is a process, and I have seen it with other really talented guys. As long as it's shown up before, it can show up here."
A 14th-round draft pick in 2011, Maples had a 3.38 ERA at Triple-A before his call-up. He has allowed 13 earned runs over 13 1/3 innings of work in the big leagues in his career.
Finding consistency will be key for Maples as he works with the Cubs.
"You still must have a persona," Maples said. "You still must have a strong attitude about yourself. It is tough to do because you are not going to be great every day. You must keep that positivity high internally. You are lucky on this team to be able to learn from these great guys and players who are both accomplished and eager to help you."