Rule 5 pick Caleb Smith could dictate whether Cubs open with 13 pitchers

February 28, 2017

The decision whether to carry a 13th pitcher could depend on left-hander Caleb Smith’s ability to impress manager Joe Maddon.

"If you’re overwhelmed, you’re probably going to try to manipulate (the roster so) you can keep a guy like that," Maddon said Tuesday. "It’s wide open right now."

Smith is a Rule 5 pick who must be offered back to the Yankees for half the $50,000 price if he doesn’t stay on the major-league roster for the entire 2017 season. The Cubs have three days off in their first 10 days of the regular season, so carrying 13 pitchers may be a luxury.

"Watching Smith early on will determine exactly what you think," Maddon said. "If you love him that much, you’re going to be forced to do certain things."

Smith, 25, jammed Ben Revere on an 94 mph fastball on a grounder hit back to the mound Tuesday, but C.J. Cron launched a home run to center field off Smith in the third in the Cubs’ 7-5 Cactus League loss to the Angels.

Smith doesn’t have the major-league experience that fellow left-hander Brian Duensing, who has limited left-handed hitters to a .236 batting average in 867 at-bats, possesses.

"In (Smith’s situation), we’ll be forced to look under the hood a little bit more," said Maddon, who stressed the Cubs haven’t firmly decided whether to keep 12 or 13 pitchers.

Rotation update: Maddon hasn’t named an opening day starter simply because he hasn’t told the honoree. But all signs point to left-hander Jon Lester receiving the distinction of starting April 2 against the Cardinals.

Lester, who 19 games for the Cubs last season, was 2-0 with an 0.87 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals last season with 11 hits allowed in 20 2/3 innings.

Jake Arrieta was 3-1 with a 2.38 ERA in four games against the Cardinals, and Kyle Hendricks was 1-1 with a 3.10 ERA in three starts.

Extra innings: Infielder Jamile Weeks’ left knee was sore Tuesday, one day after absorbing a collision at second base. Infielder Tommy La Stella (left hamstring tightness) continues to perform non-baseball work. … Left-hander Rob Zastryzny will start Thursday against the Reds in Goodyear, and Jake Buchanan will oppose the Diamondbacks that night in Scottsdale.

Caption Cubs’ Joe Maddon on opening day starter

Cubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Cubs’ Joe Maddon on opening day starter

Cubs manager Joe Maddon on opening day starter and Angels manager Mike Scioscia. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Cubs’ Brett Anderson on his first Cactus League start

Cubs pitcher Brett Anderson discusses his first Cactus League start, against the White Sox, on Feb. 27, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption A Cubs fan named Trudie

Trudie has been a Chicago Cubs fan for most of her life. On Feb. 27, 2017, Trudie purchased a few tickets for the 2017 season. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Cubs pitcher Pierce Johnson on switching to the bullpen

Cubs pitcher Pierce Johnson discusses his new role in the bullpen on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Caption Joe Maddon on White Sox manager Rick Renteria

Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses White Sox manager Rick Renteria as well as Cubs pitchers Brett Anderson and Caleb Smith on Feb. 27, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

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