Cubs to look within system to fill rotation

WASHINGTON -- The Cubs' starting rotation remains in flux following the trade of right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Athletics on Saturday.

Manager Rick Renteria has the pitching schedule set through the first three games of a five-game set at the Reds. Edwin Jackson will start the series opener on Monday, Travis Wood will pitch the first game of the doubleheader on Tuesday and Triple-A Iowa left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada will start the nightcap.

Renteria said the starting pitchers for Wednesday and Thursday will likely be determined on Monday or Tuesday.

Along with Wada, Iowa right-hander Dallas Beeler could also see action at the big league level in the near future. Beeler surrendered one unearned run and four hits over six innings in his lone start for the Cubs on June 28 against the Nationals.

"There's nothing that says they can't come in here and perform and help us win ballgames," Renteria said. "We're really hopeful that the guys that we have within the system will be able to come in and hopefully find a sense of comfort within that clubhouse and when they go out to the hill. Obviously, there's some nervousness that comes with the new area, the new arena. But usually those guys are able to adjust and perform."

Beeler is 5-3 with a 3.93 ERA in 11 starts for Iowa this season, while Wada has gone 9-5 with a 2.66 ERA in 17 appearances, 16 starts. Renteria said the Cubs' current situation provides an opportunity for both pitchers to experience the Major Leagues outside of Spring Training.

"It's a neat feeling actually for those guys because you're in the middle of a season," Renteria said. "You're in the middle of the grind. And it's a time when you're able to not just think about making a club, but you're actually trying to go out there and compete and help your club win a ballgame. So it's a little different atmosphere."