Hours before first pitch was scheduled to open in the Crosstown Classic on Tuesday, the Cubs announced a change in starting pitchers.
They were placing lefty Drew Smyly on the bereavement list and starting side-armer Scott Effross.
Effross, who debuted last season, enters Tuesday with a 1.80 ERA through 10 innings.
“His profile helps, just the ability to get the ground ball, the ability to strike guys out and the ability to throw strikes,” Cubs manager David Ross said of his confidence putting Effross into a number of situations. “He seemed to handle each moment I’ve thrown at him really well.