Due to the scheduled double-header with the Washington Nationals on Saturday, the Chicago Cubs called-up RHP Dallas Beeler to make his MLB debut as the starter of the first game.
Beeler took the loss against the Nationals, but it was through no fault of his own. The 25-year-old Beeler pitched six strong innings, allowing four hits, three walks, one unearned run, while striking out six. It is safe to say that he had a successful big league debut.
He was immediately sent back to Triple-A Iowa, but expect Beeler to make his way back to the big leagues at some point later this season. The Cubs are likely to trade key parts of their rotation before the deadline, and Beeler will likely be the first pitcher to take their place.
While does not have top of the rotation stuff, he uses what he has very effectively. He showcased a high 80s-low 90s sinking fastball on Saturday, a cutter that he has added recently and is becoming a nice weapon and a change-up with some great downward movement. The change-up is similar to a slow splitter. A good mix of pitches, but nothing that will make you think he is an ace. Beeler does a nice job of commanding each of his pitches, and he has a very deceptive delivery, that is similar to two-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay.
His lack of high velocity, and a put-out pitch, will certainly limit Beeler’s upside. That said, this guy is a groundball machine who has a nice mix of pitches. His ceiling may be one of an innings eating number four or five starter, but Beeler is a safe bet to reach that upside.