CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs have been dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. has been placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter's Recent Struggles
Leiter, 33, had been struggling lately. He surrendered 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. Highlighting his effectiveness, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. Unfortunately, his ERA has inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4. His placement on the injured list compounds a growing list of issues in the Cubs' bullpen.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for a struggling bullpen that has been plagued with obstacles this season. The Cubs have seen a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen. Specifically, Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and largely ineffective. Consequently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, highlighting their difficulties in managing games in late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Despite the recent downturn, Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the Cubs were significant. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners, allowing only three of the 20 runners he inherited to score under his watch. Regrettably, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record is 2-4, and his placement on the injured list represents a critical loss in the Cubs' efforts to maintain bullpen stability.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter's injury, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill Leiter’s spot on the roster. Little has shown promise and will be under immediate pressure to perform at a high level. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny and will need to quickly find his footing. The Cubs are hopeful that Little's addition can help stabilize their late-game pitching options. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances from every available reliever.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to step up and perform. The Cubs are fighting to stay competitive, and managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount. The success of the Cubs in the remainder of the season will heavily depend on how well their depleted bullpen can handle these adversities.
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."