Cubs Promote Pitching Prospect To Start Tuesday
By Tyler Maher
September is prospect season across the MLB, as numerous players are getting their first taste of the major leagues this month.
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski is one such player, as he's set to make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds.
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With the Cubs headed towards their second straight losing season, they're looking to get a sense of who can be a key contributor next year and beyond. Chicago is hopeful that Wesneski can play a prominent role on the team's 2023 pitching staff, as he's currently rated as the organization's No. 12 overall prospect (and No. 5 pitching prospect) by MLB.com.
The 24-year-old right-hander was acquired from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Scott Effross before last month's MLB trade deadline. The trade hasn't initially worked out as either side had hoped, as Effross pitched only 8 1/3 innings for the Yankees before getting hurt while Wesneski has struggled for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs (0-2, 5.66 ERA).
Even so, Chicago is ready to give Wesneski a look at the MLB level, especially against a weaker opponent like Cincinnati. Wesneski was 6-9 with a 3.92 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 110 1/3 innings at Triple-A this year.
While Wesneski's performance with Iowa was disappointing, his MLB results are what ultimately matters. Depending on how he pitches this month and in the future, the Cubs will find out whether they won this trade or not.