Chicago Cubs: Yu Darvish uncertainty paves way for Duane Underwood MLB debut
Yu Darvish is on the 10-day DL and is expected to undergo an MRI test this Tuesday. Mike Montgomery covered for him Monday, but he still hasn’t managed to make himself more than a spot starter. With a temporarily open rotation spot, could it be top prospect Duane Underwood’s time?
Fans of the Chicago Cubs know they no longer boast a top farm system in MLB. Fortunately, many of the prospects that comprised the MLB best farm system for nearly half a decade turned into above average MLB players.
But interesting prospects are still sparsely scattered in the Cubs’ farm system, including starting pitcher Duane Underwood.
Underwood has been circulating around the Cubs’ farm since 2012. However, he might be on the cusp of finally being called to the next level.
The right time
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The Cubs may have limited opportunities to test starters in 2018. The rotation’s early struggles have been well documented, but those struggles aren’t expected to last. Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, and Yu Darvish won’t all collectively be not good for 162 games.
It’s easier to tell your fan base that you’re trying something new when something isn’t working. If the rotation were throwing like they did in 2016 and a change was suggested, it wouldn’t be well received.
There’s also the Darvish injury that could make Underwood’s debut not only possible but necessary.
The timing is also right for Underwood himself. He’s thrown 45.2 innings in triple-A this year and is good for a 3.35 ERA.
Underwood as trade bait?
Despite hitting as well as anyone in the NL, the Cubs still could benefit from one more elite bat. If they can prove Underwood is MLB ready in a few starts before the trade deadline, he could bring back some real talent to the Cubs on the trade block.
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Whether or not Darvish’s injury leads him to MLB, Underwood will remain one of the Cubs’ most interesting prospects and is bound to make headlines before season’s end—be it by being traded or on the roster.