As spring training goes on, pitcher Jeff Samardzija has a legitimate shot at making the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation for this season, according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. Samardzija is starting for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, and he spoke for a bit with Levine:
This is a big chance for me to prove I can be a starting pitcher in the major leagues. Commanding my pitches, attacking the zone and keeping my stuff down is the key.
After bouncing between Triple-A and the majors for a few years while trying to find a role, the 27-year-old emerged as a quality relief option for Chicago last season. Over 88 innings, he posted a 2.97 ERA while striking out 87 and walking 50, flashing his power stuff but also some pretty mediocre command.
While Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm are fixed into Chicago's first three spots in the rotation, Samardzija is competing with Randy Wells, Travis Wood and Chris Volstad for the final two spots.
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