Chicago Cubs shift Keegan Thompson to a starting role for the ‘foreseeable future’ with rotation hit by injuries

Keegan Thompson’s value to the Chicago Cubs goes beyond labeling his role.

He has done everything from spot start to working in multi-inning appearances out of the bullpen. His 2.1 bWAR ranks eighth among big-league pitchers and second overall on the Cubs behind catcher Willson Contreras.

Thompson’s versatility on the pitching staff is a welcomed development for the Cubs. He is slated to start Thursday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

With left-hander Drew Smyly landing on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right oblique strain and left-hander Wade Miley not eligible to return from his left shoulder strain until June 10, the Cubs’ starting pitcher depth has been reduced.

Thompson will be used in the rotation “for at least the foreseeable future,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told the Tribune before Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Hottovy noted Thompson has handled any role the Cubs have put him in. Three of Thompson’s 11 appearances this season have been starts, owning a 1.93 ERA (three runs in 14 innings).

Thompson, 27, is coming off a five-inning start against the White Sox in which he limited them to one run.

“He’s been doing great out of the rotation,” Hottovy said. “I’m not going to say he’s going to be in the rotation the rest of the year, and I can’t say he’s going to be in the ’pen all year. His versatility allows us to be creative with his workload.”

The Cubs have two off days next week during a five-game road trip, allowing them to shuffle the rotation and skip certain pitchers as needed. One benefit to Thompson sliding into a starting role is the opportunity to work on stuff during bullpen sessions between starts, an opportunity that is limited when focusing on recovery after long relief appearances.

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A focus of this rebuilding season should center on finding out what someone like Thompson does best. He struggled after transitioning from the bullpen last July, posting a 5.51 ERA in six starts and dealt with right shoulder inflammation that cost him time and ultimately ended his season.

Perhaps Thompson is more effective as a bullpen weapon and spot starter than a regular in the rotation. He has earned a chance, though, to show he can start. This stretch should help the organization evaluate what role is his ideal long-term fit.

Hottovy is optimistic Miley, who will throw a bullpen Thursday, will be ready to rejoin the Cubs as soon as he is eligible. Hottovy expressed more concern about Smyly’s oblique injury, stating it’s hard to speculate how long Smyly will be out.

Wednesday was again another busy transaction day for the Cubs.

Right-hander Michael Rucker came off the IL while right-hander Manuel Rodríguez was recalled and placed on the 60-day IL with a right elbow strain.

Jason Heyward was activated, too, resulting in outfielder Nelson Velázquez being optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Velázquez tallied two hits, both infield singles, in two starts after earning his first big-league call up Monday. Manager David Ross’ message to Velázquez when he informed him of the roster move: Just keep doing what you’re doing.

“It was awesome to watch him play,” Ross said. “Just keep working. Trying to build a championship-caliber team here with championship players and I think he can be a big part of that with the way he’s grown.”