Even before last week’s games came to a conclusion, I was already thinking ahead to today. And I was hoping that today would be the day that Jordan Wicks makes it to Iowa. My fingers are crossed and that’s about as much as I can do. The rest is up to the Cubs.

Wicks has been pretty close to dominant the past month just allowing one or two runs per start. For the year, he has 44 strikeouts in 35.1 innings with a 2.55 ERA. What I like most is it that he’s been pretty consistent from start to start. He needs that new challenge to happen. He needs to see how that slider plays at the next level in concert with his fastball, change, and a cutter, that he’s been throwing lately

Outside of that, I don’t know if there’s anyone who screams that they need to be promoted. But there are several guys who have earned a promotion. Anyone of the South Bend bullpen trio of Jarod Wright, Sheldon, Reed, or Adam Laskey have all been solid this month. Ezekiel Pagán‘s only been in South Bend a month but he’s hitting over .400. Andy Garriola at Myrtle Beach looks to be about ready along with Felix Stevens. Grant KIpp, Nick Hull, and Brody McCullough have been outstanding this month at Myrtle Beach.

It’s highly unlikely, but there might be a couple guys in Arizona who are close to being ready including Scott Kobos and Zac Leigh. Well, I would like to see Ed Howard, I don’t think that’s happening this month although I hope he does. Maybe in June.

Since last week…

Iowa
Activated C Bryce WIndham
Sent Edwin Rios and Mike Tauchman to Chicago
Keegan THompson optioned to Iowa

Tennessee
Activated Cole Roederer
Released C Tim Susara

South Bend
LHP Didier Vargas assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans from South Bend Cubs.

Myrtle Beach
Activated SS Yeison Santana
RHP Starlyn Pichardo assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Pitcher Scarlyn Lebron assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans

I will be back around 8:30 today

9:30 AM

Crickets right now. I will see you in a half hour to an hour!

11:11 AM

South Bend RHP Brad Deppermann has retired. He was drafted by the Cubs twice and had some success with a mid to upper 90s fastball but struggled with injuries.He had a 5.93 ERA in 10 games. Prior to poor outing in Appleton this past weekend, his ERA was just 2.70. I thought he was having a decent year until this past weekend.

1 PM

LHP Didier Vargas assigned back to South Bend Cubs from Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

2:!5 PM

There might be some more moves later this afternnoon. But I thought it would be a slow day.

Next Tuesday, could be a busy day as EXST ends.

4:30 PM

It looks like Daniel Palencia will be in Iowa “officially” very soon. He posted a pic of his jersey in Iowa’s locker room.

Bleacher Nation later added to the probable promotion of Palencia by saying,

“In fact, I would go so far as to suggest that this is the Cubs saying they hope he can contribute at the big league level soon. Keep in mind, Palencia is Rule 5 eligible after this season, and if he shows anything at all at Iowa, his is the kind of arm that gets plucked.”

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2023/05/23/daniel-palencia-is-getting-the-rapid-promotion-to-triple-a-iowa-which-suggests-a-lot-of-confidence/

5:40 PM

RHP Daniel Palencia assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies is official.

In addition….