Cubs' Roberts deals, draws Opening Day roster spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs' offense delivered plenty of highlights in Monday's Cactus League game against the White Sox.
But the most memorable moment involved a young reliever sitting in the team's dugout.
Ethan Roberts pitched a scoreless fourth inning Monday, his latest impressive performance this spring.
Moments later, Cubs manager David Ross approached him in the dugout to shake his hand. Roberts has made the team's Opening Day roster.
"Younger me is screaming right now," Roberts tweeted, reacting to the news. "Thankful for all the people in my corner."
Roberts appeared emotional in the dugout as he was embraced by Ross, Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and teammates.
The 24-year-old has had a strong spring, allowing no runs in five appearances, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings.
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The Cubs added him to their 40-man roster last November after he finished with a 3.00 ERA in 39 appearances between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.
Roberts caught up with reporters in Arizona after he got the news. Part of that conversation aired on Monday's TV broadcast.
"This is life-changing for me," Roberts told reporters. "This is insane. I'm just lost for words. It's hard to put it into words.
"It's something I've been dreaming about for a long time."
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