Cubs' Pierce Johnson: Set to act as reliever in 2017

Johnson will stay in the bullpen, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis:

After an injury-plagued 2016 campaign, the Cubs are hoping that a move to the bullpen will keep the pitching prospect healthy while also helping his fastball and breaking pitches become sharper. Johnson struggled in his first taste of Triple-A last season, but if he can right the ship while maintaining last year's uptick in strikeouts, he could find his way to Wrigley Field at some point during the summer.