Clay Holmes Set for Return to Cubs, Outfield Changes with Taylor’s Arrival

Clay Holmes Returns to the Cubs

Clay Holmes is preparing for his return to Major League Baseball. One of the new additions to the Cubs’ rotation, Holmes is set to come off the 60-day injured list in Kansas City this weekend. He won’t need another rehab start. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Holmes will pitch for the Cubs rather than taking a fourth rehab start. Holmes, 33, has been sidelined since mid-May due to a right fibula fracture. He managed to pitch 73 times in his third rehab outing on Sunday.

Kevin Gausman was initially expected to make his Cubs debut against his old team, the Toronto Blue Jays, on Thursday. However, Gausman will now pitch in the Royals series. The schedule could see Gausman pitching on Friday with Holmes pitching on Saturday. Holmes expressed excitement about joining the Cubs, citing their excellent defense as a significant factor. He described himself as a sinker ball pitcher who relies on good defense to succeed.

“The Cubs have got really good defense. Obviously, you see them play, and it’s special. So, a guy like me, that’s what I do. I’m a sinker ball guy. Rely on the quality of contact and to really be able to trust the defense like that and know that’s what you have behind you is a freeing thing.” – Clay Holmes

The Cubs face a challenging decision regarding their rotation, which now skips Colin Rea’s spot. Counsell mentioned the possibility of using a six-man rotation sporadically. Holmes’ background as a successful reliever adds flexibility to the team’s strategies. He has recorded 74 saves and a 2.85 ERA for the Yankees from 2022 to 2024 before transitioning to a starter in the previous year. Holmes expressed willingness to adapt to any role to help the Cubs reach the postseason.

“You want to do whatever you can to win a ball game… whatever it is down the stretch, starter, the bullpen, I just love being out there when big outs are needed.” – Clay Holmes

Outfield Opportunities for Tyrone Taylor

Tyrone Taylor will have chances to play in left field against left-handed pitchers. The switch-hitting Ian Happ has struggled against left-handers this season. His production against them has prompted Counsell to give Happ some days off when facing tough lefties, like the Dodgers’ lefty Tarik Skubal. Taylor joined the Cubs, adding more flexibility to the outfield.

Happ is hitting .158 with a .232 on-base percentage in 125 plate appearances against left-handers this season. Meanwhile, Taylor boasts a .301/.311/.589 slash line against southpaws.

“The energy in here is awesome already, I feel very welcome by all the guys.” – Tyrone Taylor

Counsell noted the difficult schedule of 17 straight games without an off day. Although Happ’s performance against lefties has been weaker this year, Taylor provides an alternative for those matchups.

“Ian’s still going to play against some lefties… but Tyrone gives us somebody that he’s going to get at-bats against left-handed pitching for sure.” – Craig Counsell

Kevin Alcántara Returned to Triple A After Home Run

Just a day after hitting his first major-league home run, Kevin Alcántara was sent back to Triple-A Iowa. His return to the minors followed the addition of Tyrone Taylor to the team. Alcántara arrived to start in left field and hit a two-run home run against the Dodgers, marking a successful but brief stint with the Cubs since his debut in 2024.

The plan was always for Alcántara’s recall to be short-term, despite his impressive performance. Counsell explained the decision to send him back, emphasizing the need to manage the roster effectively.

“We have to pick a roster and we have to try to put the best guys out there, and guys understand that.” – Craig Counsell

Alcántara performed well during his brief opportunity and showed promise for future chances in the majors.