With Cole Hamels (oblique) landing on the 10-day injured list after Friday's start, Alzolay could stick in the rotation for the time being.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay had been working as a sixth pitcher to give other members of the Cubs' rotation some extra rest heading into the All-Star break, but with Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) and now Hamels on the shelf, Alzolay could stick in a more conventional fifth starter role for a while. Hendricks is expected back soon, but it's unclear how long Hamels might be out. The 24-year-old Alzolay has pitched well in his limited time in the majors, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with nine strikeouts in his first 8.2 innings. However, he's also walked six, so he'll need to exhibit better control to sustain his success. Alzolay is scheduled to make his second MLB start Monday against the Pirates.

Alzolay will start Monday against the Pirates, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay allowed one earned run over 4.2 innings in his first career start Tuesday, and he will get at least one more shot to show what he can do prior to the All-Star break. Alzolay could start the Cubs' final game of the first half next Sunday, but it seems likely Yu Darvish will get the ball that day instead.

Alzolay allowed one earned run on one hit and four walks while striking out four across 4.2 innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay allowed a home run to Ronald Acuna on his first pitch of the contest, the only hit he surrendered throughout his start. He was dominant through four innings thereafter, allowing only one baserunner who reached via a free pass. However, things fell apart in the fifth frame as he walked three of the five batters he faced, including opposing pitcher Max Fried, prior to being pulled. Alzolay didn't show significant issues with his control throughout the minor leagues, though he now has issued six walks in 8.2 innings of work through two major-league appearances. He'll look to improve that in his next outing, currently scheduled to be a start at Pittsburgh on Monday.

Alzolay will start Tuesday's game against the Braves, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Armed with a plus fastball and plus curveball, Alzolay has the tools to have success turning a lineup over a couple times. This actually may hurt his short-term fantasy value, however, as he was more likely to qualify for a win working behind an opener. The Cubs will work with a six-man rotation next week, so it remains to be seen if Alzolay will work as a true starter after Tuesday's outing.

Alzolay (1-0) allowed one run on one hit and two walks across four innings to earn the win Thursday against the Mets. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay made his much-anticipated debut a memorable one, retiring 12 of the first 13 hitters he faced over four scoreless frames. He came back out for the ninth, allowing a solo home run and a walk before he was lifted, but Steve Cishek came on to secure the win. Alzolay was more effective than Tyler Chatwood was to begin the game and could be considered for a spot in the rotation. If so, his next outing would likely come at home against the Braves next week.

Alzolay was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay will be available out of the bullpen for Thursday's series opener against the Mets and could make his big-league debut in long relief behind starter Tyler Chatwood, who isn't fully stretched out. In 32 innings with Iowa this season, the 24-year-old Alzolay owns a 3.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB. Tim Collins was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Alzolay will be called up from Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay won't be starting Thursday's game -- Tyler Chatwood will take the mound -- but he could make his major-league debut in long relief with Chatwood not fully stretched out as a starter, per Rogers. The 24-year-old has a 3.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and impressive 46:6 K:BB through 32 innings at Iowa this season.

Alzolay (side) will report to Triple-A Iowa this week, Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay was held back at extended spring training to begin the season after succumbing to a side injury in February, but he looks like he's back to 100 percent health. The right-hander made his 2019 debut in affiliated ball with High-A Myrtle Beach on Sunday, covering four innings and giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks in the rehab start. Despite the poor results, the Cubs apparently believe the 24-year-old is now ready to reclaim a spot in the Iowa rotation.

Alzolay (side) will begin his season doing rehab work in Arizona and won't join the Triple-A Iowa rotation right away, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has been dealing with a side injury since February, and the Cubs will proceed cautiously with on of their top pitching prospects. Jaron Madison, Chicago's director of player development, said Alzolay is "just a couple of weeks behind" and should be able to join the Iowa rotation in late April or early May.

The Cubs optioned Alzolay (side) to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay failed to see any action in Cactus League play after entering camp behind the rest of the Cubs' pitchers due to the side injury. The right-hander has since resumed a throwing program, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to join the Iowa rotation once the International League season gets underway.