Cubs near rookie record
The Cubs could match a 47-year-old franchise record if another rookie pitches for the team this season.
Justin Berg became the ninth rookie to pitch for the Cubs this week when he threw two scoreless innings against the Phillies. The Cubs have used 10 rookie pitchers only twice, in 1958 and 1962.
This year's rookie crop includes Randy Wells, David Patton, Esmailin Caridad, Jeff Samardzija, Jeff Stevens, Mitch Atkins, Jason Waddell, Jose Ascanio and Berg. Of that group, Wells has stood out with a 8-5 record and a 3.01 ERA in 17 starts.
The last time the Cubs used nine rookie pitchers was 2006. The rookies to pitch in that season were David Aardsma, Angel Guzman, Rich Hill, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Juan Mateo, Ryan O'Malley, Jae Kuk Ryu and Les Walrond.
-Tom Musick
