Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
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 the move on Sunday, further complicating the Cubs' bullpen situation.
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent performance issues, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. He managed to prevent scoring from 17 of the 20 inherited runners this season.
However, his ERA has ballooned to 5.34 over 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for an already struggling bullpen. The Cubs have seen a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, with several key players sidelined.
Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is on the injured list with a forearm strain, similar to Leiter. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are also sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective, highlighting a glaring weakness in their pitching roster.
The Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, and the loss of Leiter compounds these issues. The bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings is increasingly in question.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions this season were significant, particularly in managing inherited runners. Under his watch, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record stands at 2-4, and his placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter’s injury, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill his spot on the roster. Little has shown promise in his outings, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny and in desperate need of stabilization.
Little will need to quickly find his footing as the Cubs hope to stabilize their late-game pitching options. The focus will indeed be on how the depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season. The loss of Mark Leiter Jr. exacerbates the issue and puts additional pressure on remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount. How they adapt to these continued setbacks could define the remainder of their season.
Quotes:
"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."