I’m just really not sure what else Matt Mervis has left to prove in the minors. He shot up through the system in 2022 and ended the minor league season slashing .297/.383/.593, with 15 home runs in 57 games with the Iowa Cubs. Friday’s Opening Day once again proved that Mervis shouldn’t bet at Triple-A much longer.

The Iowa Cubs powered their way to an 11-5 win over the Columbus Clippers. Mervis had a perfect night at the plate going 2-for-2, with a home run, double, two walks, two RBI and two runs scored. He reached base a fifth time via a HBP.

And like, I get the Cubs being a little apprehensive about starting the year with Mervis still at Triple-A…a little. But if he keeps doing this for a few more weeks, then there is zero reason that he shouldn’t be in the Cubs lineup and starting at first base in the big leagues.

Also, it’s not like Eric Hosmer is guaranteed to stay on the team if struggles in April.

Overall in 2022, Mervis played in 137 games and slashed .309/.379/.605, with 36 home runs. Oh and his plate discipline kept getting better after each month as he was moving up levels in the minor leagues.

Need Matt Mervis with the Chicago Cubs ASAP.

Iowa Cubs Opening Day Notes

Adrian Sampson, who not only was beaten out in spring training by Hayden Wesneski for the fifth spot in the rotation, but was also passed over for Javier Assad in the bullpen, had a rough Opening Day start. This is definitely not what the Cubs want to see after Sampson’s struggles in spring training because at this point he is the top depth starter from Triple-A to come up to make a spot start or two in case of injury.

Sampson allowed three runs on six hits, including one home run in four innings. Two things were more concerning, as Sampson’s command was off, walking four and his fastball velocity was down, too.

On the flip side, the bullpen was great after Sampson, allowing just one unearned run in the final five innings.

Ryan Borucki: 1.2 IP, 2 K, 2 BB, 1 H
Anthony Kay: 1.1 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 1 H
Vinny Nittoli: 1 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 0 H
Rowan Wick: 1 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 0 H

We’ll definitely see a few of those pitchers up at some point with the Cubs this season.

Mervis wasn’t the only player with a big game as Christopher Morel, Nelson Velázquez, Jake Slaughter and Mike Tauchman all had multiple hits, scoring at least one run and driving in at least one run.

David Bote also homered.

Overall, great start to the 2023 season for the Iowa Cubs.