Chicago Cubs: Carlos Zambrano attempting to launch a comeback

Former Chicago Cubs All Star Carlos Zambrano is attempting a comeback, having signed with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association.

There was a time when Carlos Zambrano was one of the better pitchers in the game. The former Chicago Cubs starter was a three time All Star, finishing fifth in the Cy Young vote three times. Although he struggled with his command, leading the league in walks twice, Zambrano was still a formidable foe on the mound. He struck out over 200 batters twice, and had three seasons with more than 15 wins, leading the league in 2006.

However, Zambrano’s combative attitude led to his departure from Chicago. He went to the Marlins in 2012, with the hope that his friend Ozzie Guillen could keep him in line. Zambrano struggled in that lone season in Miami, posting a 7-10 record with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.496 WHiP, striking out 95 batters with 75 walks in 132.1 innings. He spent two months in the minors with the Phillies in 2013, but that was the last time Zambrano was on the major league radar.

Seven years after that last stint in the majors, he is attempting a comeback. Zambrano has signed with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association, where he will work as a reliever.

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There had been other attempts at a comeback before. Zambrano had pitched in the Mexican League in 2018, posting a 5.18 ERA and a 1.818 WHiP in 33 innings, striking out 11 batters with 17 walks.

As disappointing as that showing may have been, it was still better than how he fared in the Venezuelan Winter League. He appeared in 19 games, including four starts, spanning 29.1 innings. In that time, he posted a 7.36 ERA and a 2.011 WHiP, striking out only ten batters. Meanwhile, he allowed 12 walks and 47 hits, as he those years of rust were still quite evident while he was on the mound.

While those comeback attempts were disastrous, that does not mean this attempt will be the same. This time, Zambrano says he is serious about finding his way back in the game, as opposed to his efforts over the past year. However, at 37 years old, it is doubtful that this attempt will go any differently.

Former Chicago Cubs All Star Carlos Zambrano is looking to make a comeback. his journey will begin in Chicago as he pitches in the American Association.