The Cubs recalled Craig Kimbrel and optioned righty Tony Barnette on Thursday, but the team is still pondering its the next step with rookie right-hander Adbert Alzolay, who has been impressive in his first two big league outings.
With an off-day coming on July 5 and the All-Star break the following week, the Cubs have flexibility with their rotation order. The 24-year-old Alzolay was serving as a sixth starter when he pitched against the Braves on Tuesday, so his place in the starting staff going forward is unclear. Chicago could utilize him as a multi-inning reliever, but the team might prefer to keep him on a regular starting schedule (either in Triple-A or the Majors).
"Of course you want to keep him on a schedule," Maddon said. "He can do it here. He might have to do it somewhere else, but yes, you want to. But, you also have to be mindful of the innings that he's pitching this year based on what kind of jump you want him to endure this year. So, there's a lot of different components to these discussions about him, specifically.
"He's definitely showing you that he can pitch here. No question he can pitch here. But now, we have to figure out how do we put him in the mix in a way that's beneficial to him and us. Honestly, we're not done discussing that, but it's possible both ways."
Worth noting
• Prior to Wednesday's game, Maddon responded to reports out of Houston that the young girl who was struck by a foul ball off the bat of Albert Almora Jr. sustained a skull fracture. Almora was visibly shaken by the incident and has said that, while he has not yet been in contact with the family, he hopes to be in the future.
"We're just hoping this little girl gets well quickly," Maddon said. "It was a horrible moment. We all felt it and I know Albert still does feel it. We want to wish her the best and her family the best. Having children of my own and having grandkids, it's a really tough thought."
• During Tuesday's game, Alzolay was spotted in the Cubs' dugout jotting things down in a notebook. The rookie explained that he likes to take notes on how he faces specific hitters. Even though all the information is available via video or data, Alzolay said he retains it better by writing things down and consulting his notes later. That was music to Maddon's ears.
"I think everybody should not just rely on video," Maddon said. "I've been around some really good guys that have done that in the past. Right now, that does not surprise me [about him]. ... He's got a different method. He's able to slow things down, he thinks really well on his feet. Not a surprise."
• Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (10-day injured list, right shoulder) and righty Carl Edwards Jr. (10-day injured list, left thoracic strain) each completed bullpen sessions on Wednesday. They are both scheduled to throw off the mound again in a couple of days.