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Counsell's Bullpen Gamble: Trusting Cabrera for World Series
13 Sep
Summary
- Cubs manager Craig Counsell trusts pitcher Edward Cabrera for World Series.
- Roki Sasaki's playoff success serves as a blueprint for Cabrera.
- Cabrera's bullpen role aims to manage a persistent finger blister.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is employing a unique strategy for pitcher Edward Cabrera, drawing parallels to Roki Sasaki's successful playoff run with the Dodgers.
Counsell expressed his continued trust in Cabrera, highlighting Sasaki's performance in the 2025 postseason as a viable blueprint for success.
This approach aims to revitalize Cabrera, who has struggled with a 5.68 ERA and injury concerns, including a blister on his right middle finger. Working in shorter bullpen stints is intended to help manage this issue.
Cabrera, who possesses elite velocity and a unique changeup, views this as a new opportunity. The Cubs currently face challenges in developing homegrown pitching talent despite acquiring key arms before the trade deadline.
This strategy reflects Counsell's broader philosophy of adapting and pushing players beyond their usual roles for postseason success, a lesson learned from past playoff series.
