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, who is 33 years old, has been struggling lately. He surrendered eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, particularly adept at managing inherited runners; only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. 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 is the latest setback for a struggling bullpen that has seen a series of injuries at the back end. 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, leaving the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. This string of injuries has significantly impacted the bullpen's performance, leading to a bullpen ERA of 4.44, which ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball.
The loss of Leiter compounds the issues for the bullpen, putting the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings into question. This has been a critical factor in the Cubs' struggles to stay competitive this season.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the team were significant. He was particularly effective in managing inherited runners, with only three of the 20 inherited runners scoring under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, now sitting at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record this season is 2-4. The announcement of his placement on the injured list comes as a critical loss for the Cubs, as he was one of the few reliable arms in their beleaguered bullpen.
Next Man Up
To fill Leiter’s spot on the roster, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little. Little has shown promise, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny, and he will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options.
The focus will 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 from the remaining members and the newly called-up Little.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. The Cubs continue to fight to stay competitive, and managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount. The coming weeks will be critical for the team as they navigate through these adversities, hoping for effective performances to keep their season afloat.
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."