Why are the Cubs not using Ryan O'Malley?

Question

I believe he's off the DL. Why not give him some starts leading up to next year?

Answer 1

They're being cautious with him because of the injury to his elbow, and because he hasn't responded all that well in his throwing sessions.

If anything, I think you'll see him in middle relief first before they ask him to go out and test his arm over an extended period. I think they'd rather take it easy on him and have him ready for next year, especially as they're not going anywhere this season.

Answer 2

Yeah, last I heard he was still considered injured, though I'm not sure whether he's officially on or off the DL. I'm guessing they haven't put him in because they want to see a few more starts from Guzman (ugh) and Mateo (not bad). Also, now Wade Miller is in the mix, and the Cubs want to see what this veteran can do. Oh, and Sean Marshall is back, too.

See one of the many problems with the Cubs this season? A ton of rookie starters and NO CONSISTENCY in their starting rotation.

And while it's true that O'Malley wasn't considered a "good" pitching prospect, he gave all of us beleagured Cubs fan something to cheer about with 8 strong innings against Houston and another decent start before his elbow acted up.

I don't think we're witnessing the second coming of Greg Maddux in O'Malley, but I personally think he has the potential to be a similiar pitcher -- disarmingly moderate in velocity, sneaky, smart.

Good question.

Answer 3

I believe he only came off the DL because on September 1, Major League rosters were allowed to expand to 40 players, so the Cubs could afford to have him on the roster with the extra room. I think they will move slow with him, but we will see him pitch again this season.

Answer 4

ryan o'malley is not exactly a very good pitching prospect.