(670 The Score) The Cubs held an open competition for the No. 5 spot in their rotation this spring, and right-hander Hayden Wesneski left little doubt as he earned that role.
The 25-year-old Wesneski on Saturday was named the team's No. 5 starter after a spring that featured him posting a stellar 2.12 ERA over five starts and 17 innings. Acquired by the Cubs from the Yankees in a trade last July, Wesneski had a 2.18 ERA over 33 innings for Chicago late in the 2022 season.
Wesneski beat out right-hander Javier Assad and right-hander Adrian Sampson for the last rotation spot. Assad was moved into a role in the Cubs’ bullpen, while Sampson was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
So, what was the biggest key for Wesneski earning the job?
“Well, I think you saw a guy who took everything that he did last year, everything that he learned in the short (four)-start stint in the big leagues, take that in the offseason and absolutely just devote his focus to getting better and honing in on what he does,” Cubs pitching coaching Tommy Hottovy told the Mully & Haugh Show on Tuesday morning.
“We all knew when we got Hayden, what we thought we had – a guy who can command the baseball, has some really nasty stuff but just has a willingness and desire to get better. When you see a guy like that come into spring training with something to prove and very businesslike, very to the point with what he’s trying to accomplish, then goes out there and does it. He has the ability to get really, really good hitters out at a high clip.
“We’re obviously excited about where he’s headed, where his development is going and really looking forward to seeing what he can do in a longer stint. We only saw five starts last year, but he’s continued to grow from that point.”
Wesneski was acquired by the Cubs in a deal that sent righty reliever Scott Efross to the Yankees. Wesneski was then called up by the Cubs in early September to make his MLB debut, and he made six appearances, including four starts, down the stretch.
The Cubs open the regular season Thursday, when they host the Brewers at Wrigley Field.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker