Sampson providing flexibility in latest opportunity with Cubs

CHICAGO -- Adrian Sampson admitted that he did not handle the conversation well from his side of the manager's desk. In late June, when the Cubs made the decision to send him back to Triple-A Iowa, the pitcher did what he could to be precise with his words, trying not to let anger consume what he wanted to convey.

"You've got to be careful when things like that happen," Sampson said earlier this summer. "Because you say the wrong thing and it deters people from wanting to keep you around."

It did not deter the Cubs.

On Thursday afternoon, Sampson walked off the mound at Wrigley Field following a quality start in a 4-3 Cubs loss to the Reds. It was another sound performance for a pitcher making the most of an opportunity, while giving Chicago an important component to its ongoing rebuilding project.

While injuries have hindered the Cubs' rotation throughout the season, Sampson has been a source of reliable innings. He has put himself on the map -- not just for Chicago, but perhaps other teams -- while helping the Cubs keep some arms at Triple-A for more development.

"It's one of those situations where a guy's career and an organization's trajectory kind of aligned," Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. "And he's done a great job of working. He worked his tail off."

All that work to refine his pitch arsenal, combined with a strong self belief, led to Sampson voicing his thoughts strongly to manager David Ross back in June. The righty worked 4 2/3 shutout innings in a loss to the Braves and was then informed he would be sent back to the Minors due to a roster numbers crunch.

Ross actually enjoyed seeing that fire emerge from Sampson.

"You want them to be pissed off when they're getting sent down. That's a good thing in my mind," Ross said earlier this year. "When you see that, you listen. He said some things. He believes in himself and has a lot of confidence and thinks he belongs in the big leagues."

Sampson was recalled by the Cubs a few days later and he made a start against the Cardinals on June 25. Since that point, the 30-year-old right-hander has led Chicago's pitching staff in innings (71), while logging a 4.06 ERA.

Against the Reds, Sampson allowed just a solo homer over six-plus frames, while dealing with a blister on his hand. He scattered five hits, issued no walks and struck out one -- before the Cubs' bullpen surrendered three runs over the final two innings.

"I just feel like I'm just trying to go out there and do a job," Sampson said. "I always reiterate: I want the ball as long as I can, as long as Rossy keeps giving me the ball. So I find a little pride in the fact that I can just throw as many innings as I am now."

Veterans Kyle Hendricks and Wade Miley have combined for 21 starts this season due to injury issues. Drew Smyly and Marcus Stroman missed time earlier this year. Adbert Alzolay was shelved before the season began and is only now nearing activation. Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson are both on the injured list.

All of that has led to a challenging rotation puzzle for the Cubs, who have cycled through 16 starters this season. Sampson -- who had a 2.80 ERA between five starts and five relief outings for Chicago last year -- is currently sixth on the team in total innings (76 2/3) and starts (14) this season.

"Adrian's done a really nice job of filling in for us," Ross said before Thursday's game. "My favorite thing about him is every time he's had to fill in -- last year, this year -- it doesn't feel like a fill in. He's going out there, competing at a really high level, throwing strikes. And I don't think he pictures himself as a fill-in."

Sampson's presence has enabled the Cubs to allow some of their pitching prospects to focus on development. Caleb Kilian got a taste of the Majors in June, but has remained at Triple-A. Younger starters like Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski only recently were promoted to Chicago.

"He's given us a lot of flexibility," Ross said, "with holding down a rotation spot, with not having to call up either young guys that may not be ready or guys that may not even be good enough for this level. He's done a really nice job of going out there every fifth day and competing really high and giving us a chance to win pretty consistently."

Will that put Sampson in the Cubs' 2023 plans? The pitcher is not worrying about that right now.

"Heaven on earth is pitching at Wrigley on a day like today," Sampson said. "It's very tough to beat. I feel very comfortable out there. I'm just enjoying every single moment I have out there. But down the road, that's not up to me."