(670 The Score) The Cubs mixed up their starting rotation this week to play the matchups properly, stretch out their starters and give veteran right-hander Tyler Chatwood a chance on the mound.
It all worked out well as Chatwood pitched six shutout innings in the Cubs' 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Chatwood, who struggled to the tune of a 5.30 ERA last season, moved his 2019 ERA down to 3.00 in the process.
Count manager Joe Maddon among those pleased, as he said Tuesday afternoon in his weekly appearance with Laurence Holmes.
"
"I was so happy for him," Maddon said of Chatwood. "That was number one. And us [as a team>, of course. But this guy has gone through a lot the last year. A lot of frustration, mental frustration, seeking, searching for answers. It all came together on Easter Sunday.
"It wasn't a fluke. That's pretty much what we had expected, something along those lines. I think it's a great step for him. It's repeatable.
"I was really happy for him."
The opportunity for Chatwood, 29, came in part because Cubs ace Jon Lester has been sidelined on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. Lester threw a simulated game last weekend at Wrigley Field and could return to the team's rotation as early as Thursday.
Maddon said it's 'possible' that Lester could start in Thursday afternoon's matinee game with the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. He views one of the keys for Lester's return being making sure he doesn't push things too hard.
"I've been concerned the whole time," Maddon said. "You have to watch it and really be mentally satisfied with the guy. Jonny will push it. He wants back out, he wants to play."
