Adbert Alzolay took the mound against a Dodgers lineup full of World Series champions on Thursday night. The environment had a regular-season feel, with the lights on and pressure on Alzolay with every pitch.

"He went in there and kind of rolled through that lineup," Cubs manager David Ross said on Saturday. "That was impressive to see."

That performance helped seal Chicago's decision to not only put Alzolay on the Opening Day roster, but also to name him the fifth starter. The Cubs recently learned that Alzolay has a fourth Minor League option for this season, but the righty convinced the club to take him north.

As things currently stand, the Cubs' rotation will feature (in order): Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, Zach Davies, Trevor Williams and Alzolay. Right-hander Alec Mills will start the season in a multi-inning bullpen role, but he will be a candidate for starts as the season progresses.

Veteran Shelby Miller, who came to camp as a non-roster invitee, was reassigned to Minor League camp ahead of his start in a 6-3 win over the Reds on Saturday night. This spring, Miller has hovered around 93-95 mph with his fastball, while flashing an impressive slider. He worked three innings Saturday vs. the Reds, allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

"I think Shelby's going to contribute to our team," Ross said. "I have no doubt about that. He's another guy that's had a great spring. I think he's going to be a big piece for us."

The 26-year-old Alzolay -- who arguably has the best "stuff" within the Cubs' contact-based rotation -- put on a show in the first few innings against the Dodgers. He struck out five in 3 2/3 innings, including punchouts against the likes of Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger.

The Cubs know they will have to manage Alzolay's innings carefully in the upcoming campaign, but the team did not want to deny him a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

"He was extremely happy when I told him the good news," Ross said. "Making that Opening Day [roster] and getting that news is big, and Adbert was fired up. It was nice to be able to deliver that news to somebody that you see put in real work."

Other roster decisions
• Veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin made a strong impression on the Cubs down the stretch last year and again this spring. The Cubs opted against carrying a fifth outfielder, however, leading to Maybin (non-roster) being granted his release on Saturday.

"He's one of the best guys I've ever been around," Ross said. "I haven't managed a lot of guys. That's one that would've been one of my favorite teammates."

Ross added that the Cubs would be open to re-signing Maybin to a Minor League contract and sending him to the alternate training site.

• Lefty Brad Wieck was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, meaning veteran Rex Brothers (non-roster) will likely be in the Opening Day bullpen. Wieck was slowed at the start of camp by a hamstring issue, but he looked solid in four outings.

"Brad's had a great spring," Ross said. "I feel like he's one of those guys we're going to see sooner rather than later. Sometimes, it comes down to options and who has options, who doesn't. And he still has options left."

• Righty Pedro Strop (non-roster) logged an impressive 1-2-3 inning on Friday against the Giants, but the veteran only made three Cactus League appearances. The long-time Cubs setup man was reassigned to Minor League camp.

"Stropy's the best," Ross said. "I think he's a huge depth piece for us. And if we can keep him and keep him where he needs to be, I think he'll help us as well."

• All signs have pointed to P.J. Higgins (non-roster) earning the backup-catcher job with veteran Austin Romine (right knee) sidelined. Ross noted Saturday that Higgins has not yet made the team. It is possible the Cubs are monitoring roster reductions around MLB to weigh other potential fits.

• Right-hander Trevor Megill and outfielder Rafael Ortega, who were both in camp as non-roster invitees, were also reassigned to Minor League camp as part of Saturday's moves.

Quotable
"That's stuff about this job that weighs on you. I've felt like I haven't been myself for two or three days, just having to deliver some of these messages to people you really like and you care about. There's only so many spots, right?" -- Ross, on trimming the roster for Opening Day

Up next
Right-hander Jake Arrieta is scheduled to start for the Cubs at 2:05 p.m. CT on Sunday against the Rangers in Surprise, Ariz. It will mark Arrieta's final spring outing before taking the ball in the second game of the season for the North Siders.