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, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Impressively, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him this 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 bullpen that has been hit hard by a series of injuries. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is on the injured list with a forearm strain. Similarly, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are sidelined, leaving the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and largely ineffective.
The Cubs’ bullpen currently ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter compounds the bullpen’s problems, raising questions about the team's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions this season were significant. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners, with only three of the 20 runners he inherited scoring. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now stands 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 at a time when they can least afford it.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter's injury, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill his spot on the roster. Little has shown promise in his time in the minors, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is already under heavy scrutiny, and he will need to quickly find his footing in the majors if the Cubs hope to stabilize their 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 relievers.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little to fill the void. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be paramount.
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."