2023 Chicago Cubs Opening Day Pitching Rotation: Wesneski Snags 5th Spot

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross has decided on his pitching rotation to open the season.

Saturday the Cubs announced the rookie Hayden Wesneski will be the club's fifth starter, joining the likes of Justin Steele and veterans Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Drew Smyly. Kyle Hendricks, who has pitched on Opening Day the last three seasons, will begin the year on the Injured List, as he recovers from a capsular tear in his throwing shoulder. Hendricks' absence opened up a spot in the rotation, and Wesneski was able to claim it, given his impressive showing this spring.

Adrian Sampson and Javier Assad were in the running for the club's final spot in the rotation, but Wesneski beat them out. Sampson was optioned to Triple-A on Saturday. Monday, Ross announced that Assad had made the Cubs' Opening Day roster, pitching out of the bullpen. Both pitchers can be used as rotational depth, if and when there is a need. Prospect Caleb Kilian will also begin the season in Triple-A.

Stroman announced on Twitter last week that he is 'thankful' to be the club's Opening Day starting pitcher. He will start against Corbin Burnes and the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Here's a look at the Cubs' pitching rotation to open the 2023 season (including 2022 stats):

• Marcus Stroman: 6-7, 25 starts, 138.2 IP, 3.50 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.31 SO/W, 117 ERA+
• Jameson Taillon: 14-5, 32 starts, 177.1 IP, 3.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 4.72 SO/W, 100 ERA+
• Justin Steele: 4-7, 24 starts, 119 IP, 3.18 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 2.52 SO/W, 129 ERA+
• Drew Smyly: 7-12, 22 starts, 106.1 IP, 3.47 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 3.50 SO/W, 118 ERA+
• Hayden Wesneski: 3-2, 4 starts, 33 IP, 2.18 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 4.71 SO/W, 190 ERA+

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