According to multiple reports Friday afternoon, the Cubs promoted RHP Carl Edwards Jr. to Triple-A Iowa. One of the top pitching prospects in the organization was formally known by his nickname “C.J.” Edwards.
Carl Edwards Jr. is on the Cubs’ 40-man roster and was on an optional assignment at Double-A Tennessee at the time of the promotion.
In 13 games out of the Smokies’ pen, Edwards was 2-2 and 4-for-5 in save opportunities. Edwards allowed 12 runs, seven earned, on 11 hits with 17 walks and 36 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings.
Edwards said early in the season that he was having trouble adjusting to the role of a reliever but he felt he was on the verge of putting together better outings.
Over his last eight games, Edwards posted a 2-0 record with four save in four opportunities. And in 14 innings in those eight appearances, he allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits with seven walks and 25 strikeouts (1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP).
Reports from the park during recent appearances have indicated Edwards stuff has been electric.
After impressing the coaching staff and front office during Spring Training, Carl Edwards Jr. began the season in the Smokies’ bullpen. The Cubs were looking for a way to limit his innings and moving him to a reliever role accomplished that goal as well as possibly giving the big league team an option in the bullpen at some point during the season.
Promoting Edwards to Triple-A is the next step in his development and gives him one last hurdle before he makes his Major League debut.
If Carl Edwards Jr. keeps progressing the way he has, a July-August call-up would not seem out of the question.