(670 The Score) As the Cubs work through injuries to their starting rotation, it has left wonders as to when pitching prospect Caleb Kilian will get a chance in the majors.
Kilian was a key return for the Cubs in their trade with the Giants last July that dealt star third baseman Kris Bryant to San Francisco. The 25-year-old Kilian is 2-0 with a 2.06 ERA in nine starts this season. With starters Wade Miley (left shoulder strain) and Drew Smyly (right oblique strain) on the injured list, could the Cubs call upon Kilian to their rotation?
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said it’s only a matter of time when Kilian arrives to the majors, as he told the Mully & Haugh Show on Thursday morning.
“The things I’ve heard about him from the coaches and the minor-league coordinators,” Hottovy said. “They have nothing but great things to say about the kid and just rave about the way he works, what he has the potential to be for the future of this organization.
“I think he’s definitely on the radar. We know what he’s doing. We know what he’s capable of. I definitely think there’s going to be a point where we see him pitching for the Cubs. We have so many balls in the air with Smyly going down the other day, there are a lot of things we’re still trying to weigh out and juggle all these pieces.
“There’s still a lot to be done this season. And I know the future of the Cubs organization is going to have Caleb Kilian be a part of it for sure.”
The Cubs called up right-hander Matt Swarmer on Monday to make his major-league debut. The 28-year-old Swarmer allowed four runs but just one earned run over six innings of work in an impressive debut. He is scheduled to pitch again Saturday against the Cardinals.
Kilian was acquired along with outfield prospect Alexander Carnario in exchange for Bryant.
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