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. He surrendered eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent troubles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen throughout the season. Only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him, demonstrating his effectiveness in high-pressure situations. 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. The Cubs have seen a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen this season. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Moreover, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter compounds the issues for the bullpen, and their ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings is in serious question.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions were significant. 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 is 2-4. His placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs, adding to the mounting challenges facing their 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 in his minor league outings, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny, needing to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs’ late-game pitching options.
The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances. The Cubs hope that Little and the remaining bullpen members can rise to the occasion, despite the adversity they face.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season. Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only exacerbates the issue, placing additional burden on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount. The spotlight will be on how effectively the team can adapt and overcome these setbacks in the crucial weeks ahead.
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"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."