DENVER — Mapping out the Cubs bullpen in a tight game, even with an extra pitcher on the roster in September, is no longer as simple as working backwards from closer Adbert Alzolay.
“It’s incredible what he’s done the whole year, and especially the last three months, taking over that role and running with it,” bullpen coach Chris Young said of Alzolay, whom the Cubs put on the 15-day IL Monday. “It’s been incredible. And the stability that that provides your bullpen is something that feeds down from the ninth. … It’s a time of year now where it’s next man up, and here we go. And let’s make sure we take care of him getting back as fast as we can, where he’s healthy and strong and ready to do what he does best.”
