They were supposed to be playing for other teams before opening day and not play a part in the anticipated transformation.
But Travis Wood, Welington Castillo and Edwin Jackson have provided an array of contributions to a stressed Cubs roster.
Their performances suggest they could play more prominent roles or provide some value that could help the Cubs address a need in the future.
Results of an MRI on reliever Neil Ramirez’s right shoulder are expected to be disclosed Friday and could have a trickle-down effect on their entire roster — including Wood, Castillo and Jackson in some form.
Wood: “This game will always find a way to sneak up and bite you,” said Wood, whose 8-13 record and 5.03 ERA last year made his 2013 National League All-Star selection seem like a decade ago. “And I had that pretty much all last year. So I just tried to go with each start and take it pitch-by-pitch and give it everything I have on every pitch.”
Wood’s seven innings of three-hit ball Wednesday against the Reds was reminiscent of 2013, when he pitched efficiently and often challenged left- and right-handed hitters with his 90 mph fastball.
The Cubs elected to tender Wood a contract and pay him $5.685 million as an arbitration eligible player and were rewarded when Wood won the fifth spot in the rotation after left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada suffered a groin injury and Jackson was inconsistent in spring training.
Under manager Joe Maddon, Wood has been used more frequently as a pinch-hitter since spring training and will be used more often in that role.
“He’s one of those throwback dudes,” Maddon said. “He has a good time, but there’s no nonsense when he’s playing. He really does everything well.”
Castillo: After losing the starting catching job he held for last two seasons, Castillo has tuned out the trade talk he has heard from his agents, the media and fans.
“I don’t like to listen to a lot of stuff like that,” said Castillo, who is 2-for-3 as a pinch-hitter with a home run and three RBIs. “I like to be focused on what I’m doing. I cannot make trades.”
Because of injuries to Tommy La Stella and Mike Olt, Castillo has worked out at third base despite not playing there during his professional career.
Though the Cubs added Miguel Montero and David Ross, Ramirez hasn’t lost faith in Castillo’s catching skills.
“Especially knowing you can bury a slider, and he’s going to smother it,” Ramirez said before hurting his shoulder Wednesday. “I’m not super good at holding runners and being quick to the plate. The fact I can give him a chance (to throw out runners) without being super quick helps. He’s the full package when it comes to (handling) pitchers.”
Jackson: Jackson has pitched only two innings, against the Rockies on April 10, but that provided a bridge for Maddon to use the rest of the bullpen for 11-2/3 innings over the next three games — all victories.
The remaining two years and $22 million on Jackson’s contract seem too insurmountable for the Cubs to move, so any contributions will be welcome.
“Whatever happened the past couple of years is gone,” said Jackson, who lost 33 games in 2013-14. “Worry about what’s in front of you right now.”
Twitter @MDGonzales
