The Cubs optioned Alzolay to their alternate training site in South Bend on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

He was tabbed to start the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals after he was called up as the Cubs' 29th man for the twin bill. The right-hander performed about as well as the Cubs could have hoped in his 2020 debut, working an efficient five innings and giving up an unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out six in Chicago's 4-2 triumph. With Jose Quintana (thumb) nearing a return from the injured list, however, Alzolay doesn't look like he'll get the chance to stick around in the rotation, though he could be the next man up if another starting spot gets vacated at some point.

Alzolay allowed one run (none earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out six across five innings in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader Wednesday against the Cardinals. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was recalled by the Cubs to make his first appearance with the big-league club in 2020. He was very effective, earning 12 of his 15 outs between strikeouts and groundouts combined. Give that this was only a spot start and Jose Quintana (finger) should be able return shortly, it's unlikely that Alzolay sticks in the rotation despite the impressive effort.

Alzolay (forearm) was recalled by the Cubs on Wednesday and will serve as the 29th man for the doubleheader against the Cardinals, starting the nightcap.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was hit by a ball at the team's alternate training site earlier in the week and suffered a forearm contusion, but the injury was never thought to be serious, as Wednesday's move confirms. Alzolay made two starts and two relief appearances for the Cubs last season without much success, posting a 7.30 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP.

Alzolay was hit by a ball at the Cubs' alternate training site and suffered a minor forearm contusion, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was one of the Cubs' top options to start during Monday's doubleheader, but he won't be ready to make his season debut after suffering his injury. Tyson Miller will make his major-league debut during Game 2 of the twin bill instead. However, manager David Ross stressed that Alzolay's injury isn't serious and said that he's still an option to start Wednesday, when the Cubs are slated to play another doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Alzolay was not included on the Cubs' 30-man Opening Day roster.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay is on the 40-man roster but will have to settle for working at the team's alternate site in South Bend for now. The 25-year-old appeared in four games for the Cubs last season and could be an option at some point in 2020 if a need arises in the rotation or in long relief.

Alzolay is a candidate to break camp as Chicago's fifth starter, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Alec Mills appears most likely to fill in for the injured Jose Quintana (thumb) -- who is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season after undergoing thumb surgery Thursday -- Alzolay and Colin Rea were also mentioned by president of baseball operations Theo Epstein as possible options. Alzolay started a pair of games for the Cubs in 2019, allowing eight runs while notching a 7:5 K:BB across 7.1 innings. The righty also made 15 starts for Triple-A Iowa, posting a 4.41 ERA and 91:31 K:BB in 65.1 innings.

Alzolay is a candidate for the Cubs' three-player "taxi squad" for road trips to begin the regular season, Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tyler Chatwood figures to secure the No. 5 starter spot, which would push Alzolay out of contention for the rotation. The latter could still potentially snag a bullpen role, but the taxi squad makes a lot of sense for the 25-year-old. MLB teams will be allowed to add these players onto their regular rosters if a need arises while on the road. Alzolay, who made two starts for the Cubs last season and 15 starts for Triple-A Iowa, would figure to be available as a spot starter under this scenario.

Alzolay is a candidate to make an expanded Cubs bullpen when the regular season is able to begin, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in March and was slated to spend a good chunk of the season there, with the Cubs boasting a number of veteran starters. However, the coronavirus pandemic might alter those plans, as MLB teams are expected to operate with expanded rosters whenever the season is able to begin, and the minor-league season might not happen at all. Alzolay made his MLB debut toward the end of 2019, and he's still likely a part of Chicago's future, so the Cubs may want to get him more run in the majors if they can.

Alzolay was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was technically involved in the competition for the fifth starter's spot, but that was pretty unrealistic. Alzolay will need to work on staying healthy and improving his below-average third pitch this season if he is to make it as a starter long term.

Alzolay is competing for the Cubs' fifth starter role, though he is considered to be behind Tyler Chatwood in the race at the start of camp, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chatwood has the edge in experience, having pitched 828 innings at the MLB level versus just 12.1 for Alzolay. The latter had a little bit of prospect hype as he advanced through the minors, so he's worth keeping an eye on, but it doesn't seem like he'll be much of fantasy factor to begin the season. That could change if Chatwood stumbles and Alzolay works his way into the Chicago rotation.