Cubs’ Alzolay finds comfort in Contreras

CHICAGO — Pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay finally made it to the big leagues, and he’s ready to get comfortable with a familiar face behind the plate for the Cubs.

Cubs catcher Willson Contreras remembers meeting Alzolay in 2012. The young pitcher, who is less than three years younger than Contreras, left a strong impression.

“I was in short-season Single-A ball and he had just signed with the Cubs,” Contreras said. “I saw that his fastball had a lot of life in it, and I could only imagine what he might be able to do when he grew into a big leaguer.”

The Cubs’ All-Star catcher immediately became a significant part of Alzolay’s journey to the big leagues. Contreras caught Alzolay’s first start in the Venezuelan winter league after he signed with the Cubs. That game stuck with Alzolay, and his relationship with the Cubs catcher continued to be important.

Seven years passed between those first meetings while Alzolay made his way to Wrigley Field. In the time between, Contreras was on a World Series championship team and hit a home run in an All-Star Game. Alzolay, on the other hand, was still waiting.

Alzolay had become accustomed to waiting. He didn’t sign with a major league club until he was 18. That contract wasn’t signed until November – months after the usual July signing date.

Coming into the 2019 regular season it appeared the Cubs had a full rotation. With Cole Hamels coming back to join five other starters there actually seem to be too many bodies for a regular rotation.

So Alzolay did his work in spring training, impressed the front office and headed back to a minor-league assignment. He needed to wait his turn even though his stats indicated he was ready for the big leagues.

Contreras continued to encourage Alzolay as they worked out together again in spring training.

“He’s a really confident kid, but he works hard,” Contreras said. “He does his homework. He studies. He watches a lot of film and asks the right questions. That’s really important to ask questions when you come up.”

Alzolay’s opportunity came on June 20. With Kyle Hendricks on the injured list, the Cubs brought Alzolay to Chicago. He looked at ease on the mound in his debut, coming out of the bullpen for four impressive innings. His battery mate had something to do with that.

“I feel really comfortable with Willson because we’ve known each other for such a long time now,” Alzolay said. “There’s always been a connection between us that makes me feel comfortable on the mound.”

Alzolay had a huge smile on his face throughout his first appearance. When his time was up and Cubs manager Joe Maddon came to take the ball from him, Alzolay shook hands with his four veteran infielders and his manager before waving his cap to the capacity crowd at Wrigley Field on his way to the dugout.

Contreras loved it.

“His first outing was really fun,” Contreras said with a smile. “It was amazing and fun to watch. I couldn’t be more proud of him because I know all of the hard work and time he’s put in to get here.”

While his teammates appreciated the joy on Alzolay’s face during his debut, the pitcher’s experience was beyond words.

“It was more than I could have dreamed about,” he said. “There was something so special being on the mound in front of this awesome crowd. I was there doing what I had always wanted to do.”

His second appearance came in his usual role, as a starter. There were a few times during the game that the rookie appeared to be unhappy with the strike zone. He lost the strike zone a couple times, but the veterans kept him in check.

“[Contreras] told me to do the same things I was doing in the minors,” he said. “[Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo] told me to smile. ‘Kid, you’re good. Keep doing great. You don’t need to change anything.’”

Alzolay has accepted the advice of his teammates. He continues to work to be ready whether he’s called upon in relief or to start a game. Whenever his number is called, he’ll be comfortable throwing to the backstop who was there when his journey to Chicago began.

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