Height/Weight: 5-11/175
| Birthdate: 2/6/1987
| Birthplace: Little Rock, AR
| Bats/Throws: R/L
| Team: Chicago
| College: No College
| MLB Experience: 4
| Salary: $527,500
| Owned/Started%: 84/63 | Average Draft Position: 346.83
by | (5/13/2013) Cubs starter Travis Wood saw more than enough run support in his outing against the Rockies on Monday night. He worked seven scoreless innings, giving up just two hits while striking out two in a 9-1 win.
The left-hander gave up a single in the second and another one to his counterpart -- Juan Nicasio -- the following frame. He faced just two over the minimum over his final four frames.
Wood, who walked three, threw 58 of his 98 pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 2.03 while collecting his fourth win.
The 26-year-old is scheduled to take the mound next on Sunday against the Mets.
Travis Wood getting more ground balls
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood has been getting more ground balls this season.
Wood had a huge issue with home runs last season, giving up 25 in 156 innings. Wood has been a poor ground ball pitcher over his career, with a career 33.5 percent ground ball rate. He's been able to increase that to 40.9 percent this season. The new approach has helped him keep the ball in the park more to begin the year. While some of his numbers suggest regression, it's positive to see Wood trying to limit one of his major problems from last season.
Travis Wood will take hill Monday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the team considered giving Travis Wood an extra day off after he threw 114 pitches Tuesday, but he opted against it and the rotation will stay in order, per MLB.com. Wood, who will make his next start Monday against the Rockies, has thrown seven straight quality starts.
Travis Wood changing minds
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) As Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood continues to rack up quality starts, I continue to get closer to changing my mind on him.
A few weeks back, I disagreed with Scott White's take on Wood, that he could be able to sustain some of his early success. However, Wood appears to have made real changes to his game since disappointing the previous two seasons.
Wood's FIP is down to a very respectable 3.64 after his seventh quality start in a row, indicating he's a seriously solid pitcher. I still think his 2.33 ERA is obviously fool's gold, but anything below a 4.00 from a likely waiver-wire pickup is nothing to turn up your nose.
Wood is sporting a career-high 40.9 percent groundball rate, which should help him keep his home run rate nice and low. He currently has a career-low 0.78 home runs per nine innings rate, and his 7.4 percent home run per flyball ratio is barely out of line with his career rate. His batting average on balls in play is an unsustainably low .198, but he has always posted pretty low numbers there, with a career .265 mark. He does not strike out a ton of batters, but 6.60 per nine innings certainly isn't going to hurt you in that category if the rest of his numbers remain solid.
Even when a few more hits start falling in, Wood is doing enough to earn my trust. As a back of the rotation option, you can definitely do worse.
Travis Wood quality again for third win
by | (5/7/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood made his seventh straight quality start to begin the year on Tuesday night against the Cardinals. He allowed one run on five hits over 6 2/3 innings in the 2-1 win.
The left-hander surrendered a solo homer to Allen Craig in the second for his lone damage. He would cruise after that and was pulled with two outs in the seventh. Wood threw 72 of his 114 pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 2.33.
The 26-year-old also struck out eight and walked two while earning his third win.
Wodd is scheduled to make his next start Monday against the Rockies.
Travis Wood cruises until eighth inning
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood was dominant until the eighth inning Thursday.
Wood managed to get two outs, but gave up an RBI single and was hurt by a passed ball. He was removed from the game after allowing the Padres to tie the game 2-2. Wood was charged with two additional runs after James Russell gave up two singles. Wood received the loss.
Two takes on Travis Wood
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013)In his Reality Check column this week, Scott White mentions Cubs starter Travis Wood as among several players who might or might not be able to sustain their early season success. Wood has a 2.25 ERA in 32 innings, with a quality start in each of his five tstarts, and Scott thinks Wood might be able to sustain at least some of this success.
Scott cites Wood's rookie season, in which he had a 3.51 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings, as well as a similar run last season, as evidence that Wood can pitch competitively. Although there is little doubt Wood can hold his head above water, there is little indication that he can continue this type of production.
Wood had a 3.42 FIP backing up his rookie season success, compared to 3.90 this season. His strikeout rate is down, his walk rate is up and he is being buoyed by a .198 batting average on balls in play. Wood can be a solid pitcher, but it is probably reasonable to expect him to be more of a 4.00-ERA pitcher moving forward. Wood might be worth starting in mixed leagues for now, but he should ultimately be more of a reserve option as the season progresses.
Travis Wood picks up second win
by | (4/27/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood finally got back in the win column Saturday night against the Marlins. Wood, who was winless in his previous three outings, allowed two runs on three hits over six innings in the 3-2 win, including a solo home run by Giancarlo Stanton in the first.
He also allowed a solo homer to Miguel Olivo in the second but settled down after that to limit Miami to an infield hit over his final four innings.
The left-hander was pulled after throwing 91 pitches, 62 for strikes, and finished with five strikeouts and a walk, while improving to 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA.
Wood has had a quality start in each of his first five starts and will look to extend that streak when he faces the Padres Thursday at Wrigley Field. He has a 2.62 ERA in his two starts at home.
Travis Wood racking up quality starts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood has managed a quality start in each of his four outings this season. His 100 percent quality-start rate has lifted his career rate to 58 percent.
"The ball is coming out well both sides of the plate. Hopefully I can stay right there for the whole year," Wood said, per ESPN.
Entering play Tuesday, Wood's 2.08 ERA ranked 21st in baseball and his .191 opponents' batting average was 10th-best.
"I just want to keep doing what I'm doing," Wood said.
Late damage means no decision for Travis Wood
by | (4/22/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood looked well on his way to his second win in Monday's series opener against the Reds but his former team was able to rally late. He allowed two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings of work.
The left-hander made it through the first six frames scoreless and gave up just two hits during that span. Then in the seventh, he surrendered a leadoff homer to Jay Bruce and was pulled after Chris Heisey hit a one-out single.
Wood was done after throwing 88 pitches, 63 for strikes, and was pulled for Shawn Camp, who allowed the inherited runner to score, tying the game at 2-2.
The 26-year-old also struck out five and walked two in a no-decision.
His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Marlins. In one start against Miami last season, Wood allowed eight runs over 4 2/3 innings in a loss.
Travis Wood to face former club
by | (4/17/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood was scheduled to pitch over the weekend against the Brewers but Wednesday's rainout against the Rangers has pushed back the rotation for Chicago.
His next start will come in Monday's series opener against his former team -- the Reds.
Wood, who was acquired from Cincinnati in December 2011, went 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two starts against the division rival last season.
The left-hander is 1-1 with a 1.83 ERA through his three starts in 2013.
Travis Wood takes tough loss
by | (4/16/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood continued his strong start in Tuesday's series opener against the Rangers but received zero run support while he was in the game. He allowed two runs on five hits over 7 1/3 innings in a 4-2 loss.
The left-hander gave up an RBI double to Jeff Baker in the fourth for the only damage over his seven frames. Then in the eighth, Wood was pulled after issuing a one-out walk. The bullpen allowed the inherited runner to score, charging Wood with his final damage.
Wood (1-1) walked three and struck out three while his ERA rose from 1.46 to 1.83.
His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Brewers. When Wood faced Milwaukee on April 9, he allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision.
Cubs adjust starting rotation
by | (4/13/2013) After scratching Scott Feldman (back) from his next start Wednesday, the Cubs shuffled their rotation for the three-game series against Texas, MLB.com reports. Travis Wood will start Tuesday's series opener as originally planned before being followed by Carlos Villanueva Wednesday and Jeff Samardzija Thursday.
Feldman is expected to rejoin the rotation Saturday at Milwaukee.
Travis Wood's second start not good enough
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/10/2013) After an impressive first start in which he allowed one hit over six innings, I said to keep an eye on Cubs lefty second Travis Wood. He allowed two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in his second start Tuesday against the Brewers. Justification to make a move for him? Not to me.
For a pitcher whose specialty is a low WHIP, 10 baserunners in 6 1/3 innings is not particularly encouraging. It doesn't mean it was a bad start or that he's no longer worthy of your attention. It just means this one start shouldn't be the impetus for adding a guy whose upside is quite obviously limited.
He's still sitting on the waiver wire in my leagues.
Travis Wood has quality outing for Cubs
by | (4/9/2013) Cubs starter Travis Wood threw six scoreless frames in his season debut and recorded another quality outing on Tuesday night against the Brewers. He allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Wood gave up all of his damage in the second when, after an RBI double by Jean Segura, an error plated another run for Milwaukee. The left-hander then surrendered an RBI single to Ryan Braun before getting Jonathan Lucroy to ground into an inning-ending double play.
The 26-year-old cruised after that and was done after throwing 102 pitches, 64 for strikes. He left in line for the loss but luckily his teammates were able to battle back to tie the game.
Wood also struck out six and walked three in the no-decision.
His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Giants. In two starts against San Francisco last season, Wood went 0-1 with a 2.13 ERA.
Keep an eye on Travis Wood
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/5/2013) Because the Cubs' Travis Wood wasn't particularly high on Fantasy owners' watch lists to begin with, his six one-hit innings Thursday against the Pirates don't call for an immediate pickup. But they should get him on your radar.
Remember as a rookie in 2010, he posted a 3.51 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 17 starts for the Reds. He was that pitcher again over his final 13 starts with the Cubs last year, posting a 3.56 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
For a soft-tosser, Wood clearly has some ability to miss bats and typically doesn't hurt himself with walks either. He doesn't profile as an ace or anything, but at his best, I'd say he's better than Tommy Milone, who's owned in about 70 percent more leagues.
Travis Wood hopes to 'keep rolling'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood was pleased with his effort Thursday against the Pirates after throwing six scoreless innings.
"I had good fastball command and was able to locate it both sides and keep them off balance," Wood told MLB.com. "It's great to start off the season up here and get off to a good start and hopefully keep rolling."
PNC Park is like home to Travis Wood
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood allowed one hit in six scorless innings, leading Chicago to a 3-2 win against the Pirates Thursday.
Wood walked two and struck out four, as he won for the first time in his last five starts dating to last season.
Wood's win almost disappeared as closer Carlos Marmol came close to blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Wood threw 54 of 85 pitches for strikes before coming out of the game. The last time he allowed one hit in six scoreless innings was coincidentally in a Sept. 7 start at Pittsburgh.
Wood will return to action Tuesday vs. Milwaukee. He's on track for two home starts Week 2 (April 8-14) with his second coming against the Giants. Wood is 3-6 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 career starts at Wrigley Field.
Travis Wood strikes out seven in final spring start
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Cubs left-handed pitcher Travis Wood struck out seven batters in his final Grapefruit League start Saturday while allowing two earned runs on five hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. He finished the spring with a 4.43 ERA in 20 1/3 innings.
Wood is scheduled to face the Pirates Thursday in his first start of the regular season, but his rotation spot could be in jeopardy once the team's injured starting pitchers get healthy.
Travis Wood has worst spring start
by | (3/25/2013) After giving up just four runs over his first 12 innings this spring, Cubs pitcher Travis Wood endured his worst outing of the Cactus League on Monday against the Giants. He allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings of work. The left-hander also walked four and struck out one.
Wood, who was named the No. 3 starter for Chicago, saw his spring ERA rise from 3.00 to 4.50 on the outing.
Travis Wood can't keep ball in the park vs. Japan
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/15/2013) Cubs starter Travis Wood endured a rough outing as he allowed a pair of home runs during Friday's exhibition game against Team Japan.
Wood, allowed five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings of work in a 7-5 victory. He also struck out four and did not issue a walk.
"Some of them had some nice power, as you could see," Wood said, per MLB.com. "It was an interesting experience to go out and play against them. They're fundamentally sound and play good ball. That's all there is to it."
Carlos Villanueva makes opening day rotation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish out the Pirates' series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Villanueva, who will be replacing the injured Matt Garza (lat) in the rotation, is 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in three spring starts (7 2/3 innings).
Scott Feldman to pitch in second series
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Feldman, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in three spring starts (seven innings).
Travis Wood to pitch in first series
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Wood is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in four spring outings (one start). He also has 11 strikeouts in 12 innings.
Cubs tab Edwin Jackson as No. 2 starter
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Jackson, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in three spring starts.
(3/10/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood had his best outing of the Cactus League on Sunday against the Padres. He worked four scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while striking out six. Wood also walked three while lowering his spring ERA from 4.50 to 3.00.
Wood goes four innings
(3/5/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood made his longest outing of the Cactus League on Tuesday against the Rockies. He allowed one run on three hits over four innings of work. The left-hander also struck out two with no walks.
Wood carves place in rotation
by | (3/3/2013) For Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood, timing is everything. With Chicago needing to fill two spots in the rotation because of injuries, Wood is expected to assume a starting role to begin the regular season, MLB.com reports. The positions stemmed from injuries to starters Matt Garza, who will likely be sidelined the first month of the season, and Scott Baker (Tommy John surgery). Carlos Villanueva is poised to assume the other spot.
Wood hurt by long ball
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Travis Wood was solid in his second appearance of spring training Thursday against the A’s, as he came into the game in relief of starter Scott Feldman. Wood tossed two innings in the game, and nearly got out of it without any issues, however he surrendered a two-run home run to catcher Derek Norris with two outs in the fourth inning. That was the lone run Wood allowed on two hits, while striking out one batter. He earned the victory, in a 5-3 win.
Wood settles down after shaky first
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (2/23/2013) Cubs pitcher Travis Wood endured a shaky performance, but managed to earn a win in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the Angels. Wood, who earned the start, issued a five-pitch walk to leadoff man Peter Bourjous and allowed two runs in the opening frame. He settled down with a perfect second inning. He allowed two runs on one hit in an 11-2 victory. He also struck out one and walked two while logging two innings of work in his first outing. "I hate leadoff walks, but it was nice to get back out there today and kind of get into the flow of things," Wood said.
Wood fighting for rotation spot
(2/12/2013)Travis Wood enters camp as one of a few pitchers fighting for the final two spots in the rotation for the Cubs. The left-hander is competing with Scott Baker, Scott Feldman and Carlos Villanueva after making 26 starts for Chicago last season. Wood went 6-13 with a 4.27 ERA in those outings and told ESPN.com that his goal is to remain in the rotation. "Gotta fight for the job," Wood said Tuesday. "May the best man win."
