Just as the opener became a fad around the league in 2018 and 2019, there has been a sweeping sensation of using non-elite pitching prospects in a multi-inning relief role to provide value to their big league clubs. It appears the Cubs have found their preferred pitcher for that role in Keegan Thompson (LHP, CHC). Thompson made his big-league debut in 2021, and he had initial success as a reliever. However, after an unsuccessful short-term look in the rotation (7.11 ERA across five starts) and a shoulder injury to close the season, Thompson appeared a longshot for the Opening Day rotation in 2022.
However, he's made his mark pitching out of the bullpen. Through four appearances, he’s delivered 13.2 scoreless innings with a...
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