MESA, Ariz. – Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy pulled a bait-and-switch on rookie right-hander Hayden Wesneksi.
Hottovy told Wesneski they had to talk about his upcoming pitching schedule. So, Wesneski didn’t see it coming when he walked into manager David Ross’ office and got the news that he’d made the Opening Day roster as the Cubs’ fifth starter.
“It’s crazy,” Wesneski said. “You just don’t know what to say. Something you hope for.”
The Cubs still need to make important roster decisions, centered around the bullpen and bench, before Opening Day Thursday. But with manager David Ross’ officially announcing Wesneski as the fifth starter on Saturday, the pitching staff has started to snap into place.