CHICAGO (670 The Score) — The Cubs have gone more than a decade trying to develop a starting pitcher whom they drafted or signed as an international free agent for their own rotation. On Thursday evening, they may have finally found their guy.
Just promoted from Triple-A Iowa, 24-year-old right-hander Adbert Alzolay dazzled in his MLB debut, going four-plus innings and allowing one run in relief of spot starter Tyler Chatwood in the Cubs' 7-4 win against the Mets at Wrigly Field.
The hope is that, in time, Alzolay will fit right into the rotation and become the next Kerry Wood or Carlos Zambrano.
"That was the best thing that ever happened to me," Alzolay said after becoming the first Cubs pitcher since 2006 to win a game in his MLB debut. "We got the game, which was amazing."
Alzolay arrived about a year later than expected in his development. He was ticketed for the big leagues in 2018 before suffering a season-ending injury in May. He responded well in 2019 and had struck out 40 batters and walked just three in his last five starts at Triple-A before his call-up.
He continued that Thursday, striking out five while walking two and allowing just one hit -- a solo to Mets third baseman Todd Frazier in the ninth inning. At one point, he set down 11 Mets in a row.
"Everything has been coming together for me lately," Alzolay said. "My breaking ball has been really good. I have been using the breaking ball to finish guys and strike them out as well. I can throw the breaking ball to get ahead or being behind in the count."
Cubs manager Joe Maddon liked how Alzolay improved as the game progressed.
"After the first walk when he came in, he was dialed in pretty good," Maddon said. "It was a very emotional day for him, so you have included that when you decide what to do. After the first hitter he faced, he was more dialed in with his fastball at 95 miles per hour. Not his best curve, but his change was outstanding."
Maddon had high praise for Alzolay before the game, calling him a "very mature young man" who's "very confident." Alzolay was just happy to find his rhythm.
"Last year when I got hurt, I started watching my videos from 2017," Alzolay said. "I realized I was a little slower in approaching the hitters last year. I have gone back to my old routine now. Last year, I was giving the hitters to much time to think. Right now working quicker seems the right way for me."
Maddon indicated he and the front office are open to putting Alzolay in the rotation in some truncated form. That might mean a quasi six-man rotation until right-hander Kyle Hendricks (shoulder inflammation) returns from the injured list.
After coming out of the game, Alzolay tipped his hat and took it off in a long tribute from the fans in attendance.
"That was funny," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "Listen, enjoy the moment. You only get one big league debut. That is pretty special."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
