Right-hander Hayden Wesneski’s preparation and sharpness validated his determination to earn a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster in 2023.
And that’s exactly what manager David Ross has been looking for down the stretch this season with an influx of young, inexperienced players.
Wesneski’s seven innings of three-hit ball in his first major-league start stood out in the Cubs’ 3-1 loss Saturday to the Rockies.
Since being promoted Sept. 6 from Triple-A Iowa, Wesneski has walked two while striking out 18 in 15 2/3 innings. More impressive was the way in which Wesneski rebounded from his previous outing, in which he was tagged for three runs and four hits — including two home runs — in 3 2/3 innings in a loss last Sunday to the Giants.
‘‘A beautiful outing,’’ Ross said, marveling at Wesneski’s sharpness and ability to pitch effectively with his slider.
Wesneski, 24, retired 16 consecutive batters at one point and was so locked in that he said, ‘‘I didn’t know what inning it was.’’
Before the game, Ross tempered the excitement about the minor successes of the young players.
‘‘There’s expectations I still have that we’re not meeting as a team yet,’’ Ross said. ‘‘I don’t want to lose sight of that. I want it to continue to be a privilege to get up here and play in the major leagues, and that’s something that’s hard to do in our organization.’’
A blooper by Yonathan Daza near the right-field foul line bounced over rookie Nelson Velazquez for a double in the first.
In the seventh, second baseman Zach McKinstry bobbled a grounder before skipping a throw past catcher P.J. Higgins that allowed C.J. Cron to score.
And the sequence became harrowing when shortstop Christopher Morel fired a throw that sailed past first base in an attempt to nail Elias Diaz, who had retreated after momentarily thinking about advancing to second on McKinstry’s errant throw.
If the Cubs intend to dip into the free-agent market with ferocity, the two years of playing time granted to players because of need and not merit finally might end.
For now, Ross is trying to teach and win, as evidenced by his late-game moves for defensive purposes.
‘‘There are changes that happen, moves that are made and injuries that pop up,’’ Ross said. ‘‘In one way, all these things are great experiences for me. In another way, we’ve got a long way to go.’’
Despite a lack of quality sleep, Wesneski was alert in his pregame planning session.
‘‘He had an idea of what he wanted to do, which is huge,’’ Higgins said. ‘‘Especially from a younger guy. A lot of times, they want to be told what to do.’’
Wesneski, who was acquired from the Yankees just before the trade deadline for reliever Scott Effross, might not get another start this season, pending the health of left-hander Justin Steele (strained lower back) and right-hander Keegan Thompson (tightness in lower back). But he will pitch in some form before the season ends.
‘‘My stuff is good, and I know that,’’ Wesneski said. ‘‘If I keep throwing strikes with my stuff, I have a chance even when I’m not sharp with my stuff.’’
Reliever Adbert Alzolay, making his first appearance since returning from a strained right lat, allowed a tiebreaking triple to Charlie Blackmon and an RBI single to Diaz in the ninth.
