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After 10 games of the 2014 season, we have the first Cubs roster move:
#Cubs call up Chris Rusin. Schlitter to Iowa
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 12, 2014
This one... seems a little peculiar. Brian Schlitter made six appearances, four of which were decent. Chris Rusin... well, he's a starter, isn't he? Could the Cubs actually be looking at someone to throw long relief?
The answer to that, apparently, is yes:
#Cubs wanted backup in bullpen with Villanueva starting
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 12, 2014
So, that means Rusin could throw multiple innings today if Carlos Villanueva can't go farther than he did in his last start (five innings, 71 pitches). On the other hand, the Cubs have two off days next week so the bullpen certainly won't be overtaxed then. It wouldn't surprise me if Rusin's only on the roster for a day or two, replaced by someone like Blake Parker for the Yankee series.
As always, we await further developments. The game preview for Saturday will post at 11:30 a.m. CT.