Ryan Rolison has made significant strides with the Chicago Cubs this year. The 29-year-old left-handed pitcher, initially drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round of the 2018 draft, struggled during his rookie season. He ended it with a 7.02 ERA across 31 games. Now, his performance with the Cubs reflects his true potential.

Turning Point

Rolison joined the Cubs after a mid-April call-up. Entering Tuesday, he boasts a 2.89 ERA over 52 appearances. Rolison’s performance has been instrumental for the Cubs. He expressed his pride in contributing to the team’s success and the personal growth he has experienced.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell recalls the first impression of Rolison. During spring training, the coaches saw tremendous potential in him. Counsell notes that Rolison’s health has been a key factor in his improved performance.

Rolison mentioned, ‘It’s been a dream come true just to be in the situation and be able to play for the Chicago Cubs and be a key piece of this bullpen.’

Adaptation and Success

The Cubs acquired Rolison from the White Sox in January. He worked hard in spring training to refine his strategies. Rolison was eager to improve and learn new techniques after a challenging previous season.

Rolison cites three main reasons for his success:

• The Cubs allowed him to pitch freely and with confidence.
• He focused on simplifying his approach, concentrating on one part of the zone.
• He adapted his pitching mix, adding a sinker and sweeper, which greatly enhanced his effectiveness.

Rolison acknowledges that facing right-handed hitters remains a challenge. However, he is positive about exploring more strategies to dominate them.

Building Confidence

Rolison’s growing experience in leverage situations has bolstered his self-assurance on the mound. He values the detailed analysis from the Cubs’ pitching staff, which reassures him about the strength of his pitching.

Aiming for October

The Cubs need to secure the top wild-card spot to play in October. Rolison dreams of experiencing the playoff atmosphere at Wrigley Field. Rolison mentioned, ‘The fans have been great all year, and I can’t imagine what it’s like in October.’