Wick Outrighted, Opens Door for Rucker

The Chicago Cubs roster is taking shape as the team trends toward Opening Day on Thursday, but Rowan Wick will not be with the Big League club to start the year. The right-hander was waived and outrighted to Triple-A Iowa after a difficult spring.

The 30-year-old was hit or miss, spinning a 4.05 ERA in seven appearances. He struck out seven and limited batters to a .174 average, but he also walked five and allowed two home runs.

Wick collected nine saves with the Cubs in 2022, posting an 11.0 K/9 in the second half. But he also gave up nine home runs.

With the team adding Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger during the offseason, Wick will have the opportunity in Iowa to regain 2019 and 2020 form when he posted a 2.43 and 3.12 ERA, respectively.

The move opens the door for Michael Rucker to earn an impactful role with the Cubs this season. The 28-year-old had command issues of his own last year, posting a 1.280 WHIP in 54.2 innings pitched.

Outside of a three-walk game on March 18, Rucker has looked much better this spring, fanning a pair of batters in Monday's 6-6 tie against the White Sox.