Turns out reliever Rob Dibble’s “retirement” will last all of 16 days.
The former All-Star, who attempted a 1996 comeback with the Cubs before announcing his voluntary retirement March 25, said Monday he likely will sign with the Brewers. The official announcement could come as early as Tuesday.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to be coming back,” said Dibble from his Connecticut home. “It will just be a matter of when and where, under what circumstances. I’m pretty much leaning toward the Brewers, just because of the situation with them.”
Dibble, 32, appeared in five A-games with the Cubs this spring and had an 0-2 record and 24.55 earned-run average before leaving the team. In 3 2/3 innings, he had nine walks and one wild pitch–more if you count several nightmarish appearances during minor-league games. The Cubs gave him the option of accepting a minor-league assignment, but Dibble chose retirement.
“My agent talked me out of retiring,” Dibble said. “My arm’s too strong to give it up right now. I’ve been going through a lot of tapes and made a lot of adjustments myself. I feel I’m much closer to where I want to be than I was with the Cubs.”
Magadan update: Third baseman Dave Magadan, who is nearing the end of his stay on the disabled list, will meet the Cubs in San Francisco and take batting practice beginning Friday.
Magadan is recovering from arthroscopic hand surgery. He played in a spring game Monday at the Cubs’ minor-league facility in Mesa and reported no pain in the left hand.
Down time: The Cubs have their second off day in six games. A noon workout is scheduled for Tuesday.
Streaks: With Monday’s victory, the Cubs have won 10 consecutive road openers. . . . Brian McRae remains the only Cub to have hit safely in all seven games. He had a first-inning double Monday. . . . Cubs relievers have given up just five earned runs in 25 innings.