Cubs plan to move Drew Smyly back to bullpen

Getty

Drew Smyly #11 of the Chicago Cubs throws a first inning pitch against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 22, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan.PITTSBURGH – Cubs lefty Drew Smyly was penciled in as the probable starter against the Pirates on Sunday, but president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that he expects Smyly to pitch out of the bullpen.

The Cubs temporarily moved Smyly to the bullpen for two weeks earlier this month, as his ERA ballooned to 5.05, despite a strong first two months of the season. In three relief appearances, he allowed just three hits and didn’t surrender a run.

When he returned to the rotation on Tuesday, however, Smyly gave up seven runs in 3…