The Chicago Cubs currently have Kevin Gregg closing games for them. He’s got five saves and a perfect zero ERA. Kyuji Fujikawa is probably the future though. Fujikawa was activated from the 15-day disabled list today. To make room, Rafael Dolis was demoted to Triple-A Iowa.
Fujikawa landed on the disabled list April 13th with a muscular strain of his right forearm. In two rehab outings between Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee, he tossed 3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit while walking one and striking out two.
In his first major league season with the Cubs, Fujikawa is 1-0 with two saves and a 12.46 ERA (6 ER/4.1 IP) in five relief appearances. Yes, that ERA is one ugly eyesore, but he’s still considered a potential closer for this team. Obviously Carlos Marmol is the past; his days are finished. There aren’t many chances to get saves when you pitch for the Cubs. The top sportsbook doesn’t seeing them winning games, or even having many leads. Neither do most MLB fans. Gregg is obviously holding it down right now. So at least the Cubs have that going for them; which is nice.
Maybe they’ll get Fujikawa on track soon too.
Fujikawa pitched 12 seasons for the Hanshin Tigers of the Nippon Professional Baseball League, compiling a 42-25 record with 219 saves and a 1.77 ERA in 562 appearances, all but 14 in relief. He signed a two-year deal with the Cubs, including a vesting/club option for a third season, during this past offseason.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
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