MARCH 5, 2023 • SUNTIMES.COM
Cubs' Ben Brown, Ryan Jensen showing developmental leaps in first major-league camp Jensen revamped his deliver last season, and Brown is adding two new pitches to his arsenal.
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MARCH 5, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Luis Rengifo - Could get work in RF Angels manager Phil Nevin indicated that Rengifo could play right field occasionally this season as well as during his time with Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic, D...
Impact Rengifo started in right field in Thursday's Cactus League contest against Kansas City and was charged with a throwing error in the fourth inning. He's not a complete stranger to the position -- he logged 103 innings there between 2021 and 2022 -- but hasn't shown great acumen for the outfield thus far. The Angels' infield is much more crowded this year with the additions of Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela as well as the return to health of both Anthony Rendon and David Fletcher, so Rengifo could help himself see more at-bats if he's able to gain the team's confidence as a capable outfielder.
MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Chris Rodríguez - Still working way back Rodriguez (shoulder) hasn't yet thrown to live hitters this spring, though Angels manager Phil Nevin hasn't ruled him out for Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Regist...
Impact Rodriguez last saw big-league action in 2021. He underwent shoulder surgery in November of that year and missed all of last season after suffering a setback while working through a throwing program. Nevin indicated that Rodriguez could see Cactus League action in "the middle of spring," and the right-hander tossed a bullpen session Friday, so he's behind the Angels' other pitchers but still in the mix for the Opening Day roster. If he does make the team, it's uncertain if it would be as a reliever or as a starter.
MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Keegan Thompson - Building up slowly The Cubs are building up Thompson slowly this spring as he adjusts to a new role as a reliever, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact Thompson made his Cactus League debut Saturday and logged a scoreless inning with a strikeout. The team wanted to see how the righty responded to throwing bullpen sessions more frequently to begin spring training as they transition him into a relief role. Thompson made 17 starts and 12 relief appearances last season, recording a strong 3.76 ERA across 115 total innings. He figures to be a multi-inning bullpen option in 2023, though he's capable of making spot starts when needed.
MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Brandon Hughes - Easing into spring work The Cubs are easing Hughes into Cactus League action after the lefty set a career high in innings pitched last season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact Hughes has yet to appear in a spring contest, which is by design after he logged 57.2 innings in relief last season. That's not a particularly high number, but the converted outfielder only tossed 17 innings in the minors the year before, which was his first time on the mound as a professional. The lefty should once again be a key bullpen weapon for the Cubs, possibly closing out games, though Rowan Wick along with newcomers Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger could factor into the mix as well.
MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Jameson Taillon - Looks good Saturday Taillon tossed three scoreless innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He allowed one hit and struck out four.
Impact This was an improvement from Taillon's spring debut, when he allowed two runs on three hits across 1.2 innings of work. The Cactus League stats aren't particularly important for the righty, as he should be locked in as the Cubs' No. 2 starter after signing a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason. Taillon will just want to get himself ready for the regular season, where he'll look to follow up the strong 3.91 ERA and 1.13 WHIP he posted across 177.1 innings with the Yankees in 2022.
MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
