CHICAGO -- In a season already plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as setup reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter's Struggles and Injuries
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent woes, Leiter had been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Only three out of 20 inherited runners had scored against him, demonstrating his effectiveness in high-pressure situations earlier in the season. 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 beleaguered bullpen. The Cubs have witnessed a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen this season. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is already on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined, which has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, a stark indicator of their struggles. The loss of Leiter compounds these issues, putting the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings in serious doubt.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.'s early contributions this season were significant, especially in managing inherited runners. Only three of the 20 runners he inherited scored under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely impacted 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, raising questions about who will step up in his absence.
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, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. Joining a bullpen under heavy scrutiny, Little will need to quickly find his footing as the Cubs hope to stabilize their late-game pitching options. The focus will be on how their depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence, with the team's standing in the bullpen rankings underscoring the urgent need for effective performances.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls 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. Only time will tell if they can weather this latest storm and find stability in their bullpen.
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."