Welcome to The Show, Keegan Thompson.
Prior to Saturday's game against Cincinnati, the Cubs called up Thompson from Triple-A Iowa, optioning Kyle Ryan to Iowa in a corresponding move.
The Cubs drafted Thompson, 26, in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft. The right-hander reached Double-A in 2018, making a start there in 2019, when an elbow injury sidelined him for much of the season.
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Thompson holds a career 3.46 ERA in 35 minor league appearances (29 starts), including a 3.61 ERA in 25 starts in 2018.
The Cubs added Thompson to the 40-man roster last November and he opened the team's eyes this spring training, manager David Ross said Saturday. Ross touted Thompson's ability to throw strikes and command the zone, as well as his "great" secondary pitches.
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"He's got a starter mix, which is really good for the bullpen, especially using some length [Friday]," Ross said. "He gives us some length out of there and can go multiple [innings] for us."
MLB
Thompson is ranked as the Cubs' No. 14 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
The Cubs recalled Ryan from Iowa on Friday, when he pitched 2/3 scoreless innings. This is the second time this season they've optioned him to the alternate site/Triple-A.
Iowa's season begins Tuesday.