CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs announced before Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates that they brought up Brian Schlitter to fortify a tired bullpen. But the bigger move with the bullpen went unannounced -- until starter Travis Wood came on in the ninth inning to pick up the first save of his Major League career.
After the game, manager Joe Maddon was asked if Wood -- who was 2-2 with a 5.59 ERA in seven starts this season -- was still a part of the rotation.
“He’s going to be in the bullpen,” Maddon said, “and then we’ll make an announcement (Sunday) about what we’re gonna do.”
The Cubs wouldn’t confirm it, but left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada will join the rotation next week. Wada, who went 4-4 with a 3.25 ERA last season with the Cubs, has been on the disabled list since March 27 with a left groin strain. Wada’s rehab assignment is expiring and the Cubs will have to make a move with him. Wada is 1-3 with a 2.86 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Iowa this season.
Wood, who allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Mets on Thursday, was an All-Star in 2013.
