Cubs manager David Ross had been leaning toward keeping an extra pitcher on the roster if he “got his way,” and the first-year skipper will have his wish granted. The Cubs finalized their 30-man roster on Thursday and will feature 16 pitchers and 14 position players.
The bullpen has been the biggest question mark for the Cubs since spring training and the decision to keep 16 pitchers will attempt to address some of their concerns.
“It was difficult. Some guys really stood out. Some guys who were throwing really well in Arizona took a step back and some guys that weren’t throwing as well in Arizona took a step forward in the downtime,” Ross said.