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 struggled lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite these recent setbacks, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Remarkably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him this season. However, his recent struggles have inflated his ERA to 5.34 across 32 games, resulting in a season record of 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is just the latest in a series of setbacks for a bullpen that has already been severely depleted by injuries. The Cubs have seen numerous key relievers sidelined, most notably Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, who is currently out with a forearm strain. Additionally, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are also on the injured list, further compounding the team's difficulties.
The impact of these injuries has been catastrophic for the Cubs' bullpen, which now ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter further exacerbates these issues, raising serious questions about the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide much-needed stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Earlier in the season, Mark Leiter Jr. made significant contributions to the Cubs' relief corps. His ability to manage inherited runners was particularly noteworthy; only three out of the 20 inherited runners scored under his watch. Despite these early successes, his recent outings have led to a spike in 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 as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Next Man Up
In the wake of Leiter's injury, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill his spot on the roster. Little has shown promise in the minors, but he will face tremendous pressure to perform at a high level immediately. The Cubs' bullpen is under heavy scrutiny, and Little will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the late-game pitching options.
With the team’s bullpen ranking among the worst in the league, the urgent need for effective performances cannot be overstated. Little's ability to step up will be closely watched as the Cubs hope to manage their late-game challenges and stay competitive in a tough season.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only exacerbates the issue. With key relievers already sidelined, the burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to fill the void. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges becomes paramount. The team will need to find stability quickly if they hope to navigate the remainder of the season successfully.