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 Sunday.
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Notably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. However, these rough outings have inflated his ERA to 5.34 across 32 games, contributing to a 2-4 season record.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for a bullpen that has been struggling with a series of injuries. The Cubs have been hit hard, with several key pitchers on the injured list. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is out with a forearm strain, and middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are also sidelined.
This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. As it stands, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter compounds the issues for the bullpen, casting doubt on its ability to hold leads and provide late-game stability.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Early in the season, Mark Leiter Jr.'s contributions were significant, particularly in managing inherited runners. Only three of the 20 inherited runners scored under his watch. However, his recent outings have taken a toll on his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record stands at 2-4.
Leiter's placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs, who are already grappling with a depleted bullpen.
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, and now the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. The young pitcher joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny and will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options.
The Cubs are hopeful that the addition of Little will help mitigate some of the bullpen's current struggles. However, the team's standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances from their remaining pitchers and the newly called-up Little.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. With several key relievers sidelined, the burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be paramount.
The Cubs' immediate future will hinge on how their depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence. Effective bullpen performance is crucial, and the team's current standing emphasizes the need for their pitchers to step up. With the pressure mounting, the Cubs hope that their remaining bullpen can stabilize and provide the late-game reliability they desperately need.
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."