In anticipation of the upcoming MLB Draft and amidst a hectic schedule, the Chicago Cubs have finalized their starting rotation plans for the series against the Baltimore Orioles. Jameson Taillon, Shōta Imanaga, and Justin Steele will take the mound in that order, as the Cubs aim to secure two wins from the three-game series.

However, the rotation order reveals some strategic considerations. Taillon will be the sole pitcher available for the subsequent series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, while Imanaga might have the opportunity to pitch in the All-Star Game, given sufficient rest. This presents a challenge for the Cubs, who will need to overcome the Cardinals without the services of Steele or Imanaga.

In addition to the rotation plans, attention has turned to the Cubs' bullpen and the potential impact of young arms and injury-returning pitchers in the coming weeks. Noteworthy among them is Caleb Kilian, who has recently made two rehab appearances. Analysts have suggested that Kilian, with his impressive velocity and stuff, might be a valuable asset in the bullpen. Although the Cubs have not made a final decision on the matter, having Kilian pitch in relief could provide valuable insights for the team as they make offseason roster decisions.

The Cubs may also see a considerable influx of relievers returning from injury in the near future. The list includes Mark Leiter Jr., Julian Merryweather, Ben Brown, Adbert Alzolay, Jordan Wicks, and Javier Assad. While it is unlikely that all seven will return simultaneously or be placed on the big league roster immediately, the potential addition of these pitchers presents an exciting prospect for the team. The current bullpen, despite performing admirably, will face new competition as the returning arms vie for spots.

Among the returning pitchers, Hunter Bigge has shown considerable promise. Fans eagerly await his debut, hoping to witness him pitch in multiple outings before the pending influx of returning arms potentially pushes him back to Triple-A. Bigge's notable performance in Triple-A, with an impressive display of breaking pitches, has generated excitement among Cubs enthusiasts.

In other news, the offensive situation at catcher for the Cubs, while still challenging, may have received a small reprieve. Former Cub Martin Maldonado's wRC+ has risen to a modest 2, shedding light on the struggles faced by the Cubs in the catching department.

Furthermore, an intriguing development has emerged in the realm of hitting. While the focus often centers on the increasing velocity of pitchers, there has been a remarkable improvement in hitters' ability to handle sub-optimal velocity. This shift in hitting prowess has implications for the game at large.

Lastly, attention must be paid to the rising star, Elly De La Cruz. Just 22 years old, De La Cruz is on track to fulfill the immense potential that was predicted a few years ago. Although his strikeout rate remains high, his significant power, game-changing speed, and outstanding defensive skills at shortstop make him a future superstar in the making, provided he remains injury-free.

As the Cubs navigate through the MLB Draft, an intense schedule, and the impending return of injured arms, the team's fortunes hang in the balance. Cubs fans eagerly await the outcomes of these intriguing developments as they anticipate a season filled with excitement and potential triumphs.