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. Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen; only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. His ERA has inflated to 5.34 across 32 games. His season record is 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. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. The Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter compounds the issues for the bullpen as it raises further questions about their ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions were significant. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners; only three of the 20 inherited runners scored under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. With an overall record of 2-4, Leiter’s placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
The Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill Leiter’s spot on the roster. Little has shown promise, and the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny and will need to quickly find his footing. The Cubs hope Little can help stabilize their late-game pitching options. The team's standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances in Leiter's absence.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only 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 to their success. The pressure is on for the Cubs' bullpen to step up and deliver effective performances to keep the team's hopes alive as the season progresses.