3 Cubs Prospects Who Should Be Called Up by September
By Ryan Flores
Despite leading the NL Central with a 47-43 record, the Chicago Cubs haven't been as brilliant as fans hoped they'd be. They haven't run away with the division just yet, and could most certainly use some reinforcements from the minors to do as such. There are a few prospects that are just waiting to get their shot to make a difference in Chicago. Here are three that should get the call by September.
1. Zack Short
Short has had an injury-filled season, but that doesn't mean you can count him out from making the roster come September. He sports a pull-heavy approach, giving him some solid pop for a guy who is 5-10, 180 pounds. He also makes the pitcher work, as he goes deep into counts, and draws quite a few walks, giving him solid on-base percentages. While Short isn't a great hitter, he's making strides at the plate, as he's collected 11 hits in his nine games at Triple-A so far, which is very encouraging. He has the potential to be a solid bench piece for the Cubs late in the year.
2. Dakota Mekkes
Mekkes has put his 6-7, 250-pound frame to good use, hiding the ball behind his body and then launching himself at the plate, making his deception top notch. His fastball sits comfortably in the 92-93 MPH range, but because he hides it so well, it's proven to be very tricky to hit. He's most certainly looking like he could be a solid reliever in the majors, as his 2.81 ERA and .220 batting average against him shows. Mekkes could very well find himself in a bullpen that has struggled to find success this season very shortly.
3. Duane Underwood Jr.
Underwood Jr. had a taste of what it's like to pitch in the majors, throwing four solid innings of one-run ball in 2018. He hasn't been lights out in the minors, however, as he sports a lackluster 5.68 ERA at Triple-A in 2019. The Cubs likely won't call on his services as a starter, but rather a reliever, a role that he's fared well in as of late. In Underwood Jr.'s last 10 appearances, he's struck out 19 and allowed just 4 earned runs through 15 innings. His bread and butter has been his 95 MPH heater and solid curveball, which will likely play well in the Cubs bullpen, where he can be dynamic in short stints. It wouldn't be surprising to see him with the ball club sometime before September.