David Ross told reporters prior to Wednesday’s game in Queens that Drew Smyly would be working out of the bullpen “for probably a small amount of time.” The lefty has been pitching poorly for over two months and has worked behind an opener twice in that time, but the Cubs have three days off over the next eight days and can be very judicious with his usage moving forward.
Most of that is about Smyly’s performance over his last 13 appearances, but the Cubs have a little financial motivation to limit his innings over the rest of the season as well.