Tyler Chatwood is making Thursday’s start in place of the injured Kyle Hendricks.
But touted prospect Adbert Alzolay – the people’s choice for that start on social media – likely still will make his big-league debut in that series opener against the Mets, after all.
The Cubs announced after Wednesday’s 7-3 victory over the White Sox that Alzolay will be recalled from Class AAA Iowa to back up Chatwood in that start. Left-hander Tim Collins was designated for assignment to make room on the 25-man roster.
Chatwood, who threw a season-high 71 pitches in a six-inning spot start in April, last pitched on June 11, when he threw 53 pitches in a long relief appearance at Colorado.