It’s déjà vu another time.
The famous quote from Yankees legend Yogi Berra definitely applies to the early a part of the 2026 season for Colin Rea and the Chicago Cubs.
The veteran right-hander as soon as once more finds himself within the Cubs rotation — and a essential a part of the pitching employees — earlier than May … after starting the yr in a swingman function within the bullpen.
For the second straight yr, the Cubs broke camp uncertain precisely how Rea would match into the pitching image. And for the second straight yr, he’s turn into the group’s unsung hero inside the first month.
Rea shut down the Phillies Monday night, permitting simply 1 run in 6.2 innings to elevate the Cubs to their sixth straight win. It was solely the second begin of the season for Rea, who labored behind an opener in Philadelphia his last time out (in the beginning of this successful streak) and has additionally served in a lengthy reduction function.
He is now 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP on the season, and much more impressively, has executed a lot of that harm in opposition to the Phillies. It is usually tough for pitchers to face the identical group in back-to-back outings, however that was no situation for Rea. In truth, he owns Bryce Harper — the Phillies slugger went 0-for-3 in opposition to Rea Monday evening and is now 0-for-17 in opposition to the Cubs pitcher all-time.
Rea’s flexibility and laid-back angle have earned him a new nickname across the Cubs clubhouse, as Taylor McGregor shared on Monday evening’s Marquee Sports Network broadcast. Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry coined the nickname “36B” for Rea as a result of he’ll do something and never complain about it — like sit in 36B (a center seat towards the again of the aircraft on a flight).
In his year-plus in a Cubs uniform, the 35-year-old Rea has made 29 begins and eight reduction appearances. In these, he has racked up a robust 14-7 file, 3.83 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP with a pair of saves.
And like his nickname illustrates, he’s executed all of it in an understated method with out even a whisper of drama.
Obviously, the Cubs would like to not be on this place for a second yr in a row, needing to lean on Rea within the rotation so early. But after Justin Steele went down for the season final April, Cade Horton suffered the identical destiny this spring, and the Cubs have wanted Rea to step up.
“He’s been terrific for us,” Jed Hoyer mentioned on the Cubs’ final homestand. “I take into consideration our first 12 video games final yr, I bear in mind him popping out of the bullpen to get a 3-inning save in opposition to the A’s. He was in that function to begin the yr. And then Steele went down and he stepped within the rotation and clearly was extremely helpful for us.
“He has such a nice demeanor about him. We have been sitting there speaking throughout spring coaching, that he was our sixth starter to begin the yr, however we all know how that goes. That means he’s gonna make a ton of begins. Two begins in, he’s clearly in a rotation once more.
“It’s just so great to have a player like that that understands the role; he understands that there will be times he can be in the bullpen. But he’s prepared for both roles. He’s been incredible for us. And a really great teammate for us. Goes about it the right way every day. Mentors guys in his quiet, stoic way.”
Time will inform whether or not Rea will stick within the Cubs’ rotation all season. Matthew Boyd is on the verge of coming back from the IL, and Steele may very well be again in a little over a month.
But no matter the place he pitches, the Cubs know they will rely on Rea, and he’ll be able to reply the decision.
