Rotation machinations

With some healthy arms coming back to the rotation, what will the Cubs do?

Edward Cabrera returns today from his blister problems. Matthew Boyd has one more rehab start, and should be back with the Cubs late next week. With Ben Brown solidifying his spot in the rotation over the past several starts, there is now a question about what Craig Counsell will do with the bullpen:

1. Drop someone else to the bullpen – there are certainly a few candidates for demotion. Jameson Taillon was decent in his last start, but has been below replacement value all season. Shota Imanaga continues to surrender home runs. And Colin Rea started in the bullpen, and would be a valuable long reliever. But he’s been the 2nd best Cubs starter over the last few weeks.
   
2. Skip someone in the rotation for a turn – this is possible, as Taillion and Imanaga could probably use some extra rest. But I’m not sure the 13-man pitching staff can afford to have someone sit idle for a long stretch.
   
3. Deploy a 6-man rotation – this has been bandied about over the past few years. Our 30+ starters (Boyd, Rea, Imanaga and Taillon) could probably use an extra day of rest before every start. But bring the bullpen down to 7 men could be a huge strain, unless the starters were able to go longer into games with the extra rest.
   
4. Put someone on the IL – With all the injuries we’ve seen so far this season, there is certainly a possibility that someone gets hurt before Boyd is back. The Cabrera blister issue has me worried that it might pop back up. Or perhaps someone is dealing with a nagging issue that could use a 15-day break.

So which option will Counsell choose? Option 4 would be the most logical, if it is actually an option, but I’m sure we’re all hoping for no more new or recurring injuries. Option 3 would be bold, but I’m skeptical they’d go to the 6-man rotation. That leaves option 1, but then a big question of who might head the the bullpen. Despite his effectiveness, I think it would probably be Rea, just because he is experienced as a reliever. He could get paired up with a starter, potentially splitting up the innings of a game with any other relievers being needed.