Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
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. 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 these recent struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen this season. Notably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him, a testament to his effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
However, his recent poor performances have inflated his ERA to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4. Leiter's injury adds to the Cubs' mounting woes, particularly within their bullpen.
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. The Cubs' Opening Day closer, Adbert Alzolay, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined, leaving the Cubs' bullpen both shorthanded and ineffective.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, a statistic that underscores the bullpen's struggle to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings. The loss of Leiter compounds these issues, further questioning the bullpen's ability to perform under pressure.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions were significant for the Cubs. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners, with only three of the 20 inherited runners scoring under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record for the season is 2-4.
Leiter’s placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs as they fight to stay competitive in a challenging season. The bullpen's ability to maintain leads in the late-game scenarios is now even more uncertain.
Next Man Up: Luke Little
In response to Leiter’s injury, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill the vacant roster spot. Little has shown promise in his limited opportunities, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny and facing considerable adversity.
Little will need to quickly find his footing if he is to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options. The team's current standing in the bullpen rankings highlights the urgent need for effective performances from every available arm.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs' bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only exacerbates the issue. With the burden now falling on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little, the Cubs are desperate for stabilization in their late-game pitching.
As the season progresses, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be paramount for the Cubs if they hope to stay competitive. The team must find a way to overcome these setbacks and perform effectively despite the odds.
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."