Cubs pitching prospect Edwards impresses in debut

For the first time since being traded last week, right-hander C.J. Edwards took the mound for Class A Advanced Daytona on Sunday. Edwards, the Cubs' No. 12 prospect, was a part of the package the Rangers sent to Chicago in exchange for Matt Garza.

At the time of the deal, Edwards was with Class A Hickory, and he led the South Atlantic League in ERA (1.83) and strikeouts (122). The Cubs moved him up a level, but Edwards had no problem with the more advanced hitters of the Florida State League on Sunday.

Edwards threw five shutout innings and allowed just one hit in his debut for the organization. He struck out eight batters and walked one in Daytona's 2-1 victory.

After the game, Edwards told MiLB.com that he is simply trying to continue doing what has helped him find success all season.

"I'm doing the same things that got me to this point in my career," Edwards said. "Going out each and every day, ready to fight."

With the five shutout innings, Edwards lowered his ERA to 1.74 in 98 1/3 innings. That is the second-best mark among pitchers in full-season leagues. Only Rays right-hander Dylan Floro's 1.68 ERA in 96 2/3 innings at Class A Bowling Green is better.