In 2010, Angel Guzman had right shoulder surgery and missed the entire season for the Cubs. Injuries have always been an issue for the right-hander, and it's a shame because he's extremely talented. And we saw that talent on full display in 2009, when he put together a 2.95 ERA in 61 innings out of the bullpen.
Well, this past offseason, the Cubs signed Guzman to a minor league deal, and he took a major step in his hopes of returning to the big leagues tonight. Guzman started for the Peoria Chiefs(Cubs' Class-A affiliate) tonight, and pitched two perfect innings. He also struck out two batters.
The Cubs will be very careful with Guzman, especially since their playoff hopes are pretty much lost already. Ideally, he rehabs for a bit in the minors, and gets some big league innings under his belt before the season ends. And most importantly, stays healthy while doing so.
If all of that can happen, the Cubs will surely have him in their bullpen plans for the 2012 season.
