MESA, Ariz. – Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell acquired proper to the purpose: Gage Workman was going to Japan with the team.
“It was loopy,” Workman mentioned. “Shocked. Similar to, ‘I can’t consider that is taking place.’”
Simply three months in the past, the Cubs chosen Workman within the Rule 5 Draft from the Tigers. The 25-year-old had by no means performed above Double-A and even been invited to major-league spring coaching camp earlier than. Now, he’s anticipated to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster in Tokyo.
“Issues change fast,” he mentioned. “It was actually cool simply to have the chance. Only a large blessing. To be right here and be capable to play properly and be capable to make this group is fairly particular.”
Workman has performed all camp, posting a 1.214 OPS in 13 video games. By means of Sunday, he was tied with Pete Crow-Armstrong for probably the most homers by a Cub this spring (three). However his at-bats final week towards the Diamondbacks’ Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez stood out to supervisor Craig Counsell.
“You’re not going to have a day of more durable at-bats within the large leagues,” Counsell mentioned. “Three totally different guys, three at-bats, and he dealt with all these at-bats in addition to anyone that day.”
In opposition to Burnes, Workman labored a full depend after which turned on a cutter within the backside third of the strike zone and despatched it via the precise facet of the sector for an RBI single.
It’s nonetheless the one run Burnes has given up this spring.
In opposition to Puk, a lefty, Workman acquired to a different deep depend after which reached all the way down to a slider because it dove out of the zone. He lined out.
In opposition to Martinez, Workman jumped on a second-pitch fastball, drove it to right-center and legged out a double.
He took a chunk of recommendation from outfielder Travis Jankowski, a veteran non-roster invitee who the Cubs returned to minor-league camp on Sunday, into that recreation towards the Diamondbacks.
“He was like, ‘You’ve simply acquired to take the identify away from the pitcher,’” Workman mentioned. “We have a look at our reviews, and … you don’t essentially consider this as Cy Younger Corbin Burnes. You simply assume, that is one other pitcher; how would I put together towards him?”
Workman additionally soaked up conversations with catcher Carson Kelly, who he hung out hitting with in a small group setting this spring, as Kelly emphasised that particularly in apply, the consequence shouldn’t be all the time the true indicator of how the work goes.
Preserving that in thoughts is simpler mentioned than accomplished, particularly for a Rule 5 Draft decide preventing for a spot on the group. However it proved to be one in every of Workman’s strengths this spring.
“For those who add strain in these conditions – like, you want to get a success right here, you want to make a play – I feel that’s whenever you tense up and also you don’t get hits and don’t make performs,” Workman mentioned. “So simply doing all of your greatest to do the other of that, and simply attempt to play free.”
Workman’s protection additionally strengthened his case.
“We expect he’s going to be a plus defensive third baseman,” Counsell mentioned. “And that’s one thing we’d like, proper? In order that there’s a match there too.”
Rule 5 Draft picks usually find yourself again with their authentic groups. So, when a group makes a variety, they aren’t essentially doing it with the expectation that the participant will stick on their energetic roster. They’re taking a flier on the chance. And Workman, a left-handed hitter with energy who can play a number of positions, was a profile the Cubs had been lacking.
Now, he’s going to Japan.
When Workman acquired the information, he mentioned he first known as his spouse, adopted by his mother and father and in-laws. Then he known as his greatest pal Brendan Davis, a former Cubs high prospect.
“He was pumped,” Workman mentioned. “He was similar to, ‘No manner, dude. Congrats.’ A baseball man, he will get it. It’s a cool factor to be known as up for the primary time.”
