The Cubs made 23-year-old pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez a surprise addition to the 40-man roster back in November on the strength of his big right arm. He’s gotten a chance to showcase his high-90’s stuff so far in spring training, including an outing Sunday afternoon that was cut short after just nine pitches.
Rodriguez sailed a fastball and then paced around the mound, alerting Willson Contreras to an issue and spurring trainer Nick Frangella to jog out to check on him. After a brief discussion and what appeared to be a focus on Rodriguez’s right elbow, both pitcher and trainer walked off the field.