Cubs pitching prospect Jeff Mathes is throwing very well for the Iowa Cubs, improving to 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 12 games, seven of which have been starts. Mathes has given up just 1 earned run in his last fifteen innings, but has struck just 20 in 53 innings pitched.
"If you are at Triple-A, you are a phone call away," Cubs assistant GM Randy Bush said. "As for Mathes, he has been throwing the ball really well."
The Cubs called up lefty Jason Waddell Thursday to replace Neal Cotts in the bullpen. Waddell had a 3.38 ERA with the Giants Double-A affiliate last season, and struck out 70 in 64 innings of work. While lefties are hitting .346 against Waddell in Triple-A this season, he has surrendered one run in his last four outings, striking out seven.
"Personally, I just want to go out there and get that first inning under my belt," Waddell said before Saturday's game against the Dodgers.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella decided to
shake up his roster today, calling up outfielder Jake Fox, infielder Andres Blanco, and lefty pitcher Jason Waddell. Fox is tearing up the Pacific Coast League, hitting .423 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI. Fox will likely platoon between the corner outfield and first base. He replaces Aaron Miles, who was placed on the disabled list.
Blanco gives the Cubs another option at second and shortstop. He was hitting .314 with 4 home runs and a .349 on-base percentage in 43 games for the Iowa Cubs. He will replace Bobby Scales on the roster, who hit .257 with 1 home run in his first stint in the majors.
The final call up was lefty Jason Waddell, who owns a 5.40 ERA and 12 stike outs in 16.2 innings. It is obvious the Cubs wanted a new lefty in the pen. Lefties are hitting .346 against Waddell at Triple-A, but Neal Cotts, who was optioned in his place, could not get anyone out. If Waddell struggles with the Cubs, they should consider calling up lefty J.R. Mathes, who owns a 3.40 ERA. Not only that, but lefties are hitting just .231 against him.
