The Cubs announced their Minor League Pitcher and Player for the Month for April on Wednesday. To no surprise, Iowa lefty Tsuyoshi Wada took home pitcher of the month honors and Kane County catcher Will Remillard received the player of the month award.
LHP Tsuyoshi Wada signed a minor league contract with the Cubs in the off-season that included a non-roster invite to Major League Spring Training. Wada was reassigned to minor league camp late in the spring after struggling with his command during the exhibition season. Wada has been lights out for Triple-A Iowa and earned the recognition.
Tsuyoshi Wada was 3-1 in four April starts with a 0.68 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP. Wada allowed two runs on 14 hits with three walks and 29 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings. For the season, Wada is 4-1 with a 1.21 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. Wada has allowed five runs on 22 hits with six walks and 38 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings. Four of the five runs Wada has allowed this year have scored on home runs.
The Cubs selected Will Remillard in the 19th round of last June’s draft. And the backstop that was known for defense first, offense second hit rather well in April. Remillard put together a .373/.458/.549 slash line in 15 games with six doubles, one home run and a 1.007 OPS. Remillard has not slowed down in May and after four games he is hitting .429/.500/.571 with two doubles and a 1.071 OPS. For the year, Remillard has a .385/.467/.554 slash line with eight doubles, one home run, eight walks, eight strikeouts and a 1.021 OPS in 19 games.