Four years have passed since Baseball America ranked Adbert Alzolay as the Cubs’ second-best prospect, with only a season-ending strain of his right lat muscle preventing him from making his major-league debut in June 2018.
That was the start of an array of injuries and inconsistencies that have given Alzolay, 27, a greater appreciation for getting an opportunity — albeit as a reliever — before this season ends.
“We have a lot of good guys with good arms coming into the big leagues, but they’re also thinking about me,” Alzolay said Friday before Marcus Stroman (4-7) pitched 5‰ hitless innings, then gave up three hits and a run in a 2-1 victory over the Rockies. “That’s a good point. I really think about it every time I work out and pitch. That’s one thing I always have on my mind.”
Since Alzolay made his major-league debut on June 20, 2019 — striking out five and allowing one run in five innings to earn a win over the Mets — 22 pitchers have debuted with the Cubs. Two of them, Brandon Hughes and Manuel Rodriguez, pitched the final two innings Friday to secure the win.
Alzolay is expected to be activated this weekend and understands the Cubs want to take a look at other potential starters, such as Hayden Wesneski, who will start Saturday in place of left-hander Wade Miley, whose start was moved to Monday in Miami.
“We’re building something,” said Alzolay, who made 21 starts in 2021 but allowed 20 of his 25 home runs against left-handed hitters and posted a 4.58 ERA in 29 games. “We’re trying to win.
“For me, if my role is best out of the bullpen or being a long guy, a guy who can throw in the eighth or close a game, I feel I have the weapons to do that. I feel this is better for the team and the manager.”
Alzolay was ready to earn a spot in the rotation until he reinjured his lat in a bullpen session days before spring training began.
“Just one pitch and I felt it,” he said. “I knew it was something that was going to take a little bit [of time].”
He had a 6.75 ERA in four rehab starts with Triple-A Iowa but struck out 12 in 9„ innings. He believes that latest rehab allowed him to strengthen all parts of his body, as well as his mind.
“I always say, if you practice in your mind and keep repeating, then that goes straight to your body because the mind tells the body what to do,” he said. “I feel being able to keep that mindset, keep processing those thoughts, I sometimes will close my eyes and imagine I’m on a big-league mound and go through the motions in my mind.”
Until Ryan McMahon ended Stroman’s no-hit bid with a home run to center Friday, it looked as if Stroman might receive a prize similar to the bottle of pricey Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades champagne that Jon Lester gave Alzolay after his first major-league win. Stroman, who earned his first win at Wrigley in 10 career games, credited shortstop Christopher Morel’s defense for keeping his no-hitter alive that long.
Jared Young, starting his first game in the majors, snagged two low throws at first base before McMahon’s homer and also hit a double for his first major-league hit in the eighth.
“A surreal day,” said Young, who had 15 family members and friends at Wrigley cele-brating.
