This white-hot Triple-A reliever could be the weapon this Cubs bullpen needs

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

It seemed like a lifetime ago when Chicago Cubs reliever Ethan Roberts won a spot in the bullpen in spring training in 2022. Since then, the 26-year-old right-hander has suffered several injuries, including Tommy John surgery last year. This year he is back, healthy and currently battling with Triple-A Iowa.

Ethan Roberts is now through 8 ⅓ scoreless innings (27.3% K-BB%) in AAA and is coming off his first consecutive appearance back from TJS.
Its sweeper leads the way with a 41.9% odor rating and intense sweeping, averaging 20 inches of movement. He could be about to be recalled. pic.twitter.com/jTKcrAKjMP

–Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) June 10, 2024

With the Cubs' disappointing record this season, the bullpen is often cited as a catalyst. The team's bullpen ERA of 4.33 is just 22nd best in the league. With Roberts currently on a tear in Triple-A, as Greg Zumach points out, a call-up could be near. If the Cubs have been hesitant to trade for a reliever to help solve the problem, given the potential capital a trade could cost in May compared to July, then the arrival of Roberts may be part of the solution.

Roberts' sweeper is beautiful and plays well with his cutter, given the horizontal movement the two pitches produce at different speeds. Out of the hand, it can be difficult to grasp the spin at first, leaving hitters with minimal time to land a pitch. It's a small sample size, but Roberts isn't giving up a home run yet and is playing in that pitch mix that will perform at any level as long as he maintains control of his arsenal.

He has a 2.86 ERA over 300 IP in the minor leagues, but hasn't had the chance to shine on the biggest stage due to injury. Now he has the opportunity to come full circle if he continues to play the way he is. The Cubs desperately need inside help from guys who can come in and lock down innings, so whoever is playing well deserves a chance right now. If Roberts keeps this up for much longer, you can expect to see him in Chicago soon. The earliest would be best.