Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
CHICAGO -- In a season already marked by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs received another significant setback as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter, 33, has been struggling recently, yielding eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent difficulties, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, with only three out of 20 inherited runners scoring against him this season. However, his ERA has inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury signifies the latest setback for a bullpen already struggling with multiple injuries. The Cubs have experienced a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, further complicating their season.
Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. In addition, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen short-handed and largely ineffective. Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter only compounds the issues, casting doubt on the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the team were significant, especially in managing inherited runners, with only three of 20 inherited runners scoring during his watch. However, his recent outings have severely impacted his ERA, now sitting at 5.34 over 32 appearances, with an overall record of 2-4. His placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs, further stressing an already depleted bullpen.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter’s injury, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill Leiter’s spot on the roster. Little has shown promise, and the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. Joining a bullpen under heavy scrutiny, Little needs to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options.
The Cubs' urgent need for effective performances from their bullpen cannot be overstated. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores this urgency. As the burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little, the Cubs' fight to stay competitive will depend significantly on how well they can manage their late-game pitching challenges.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and the latest injury to Mark Leiter Jr. exacerbates the issue. With the burden falling on remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little, the Cubs face a strenuous task in managing their late-game pitching challenges. As the team continues to fight to stay competitive, the performance of their depleted bullpen will be paramount in determining their success in the remainder of the season.
Quotes:
"CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday."