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 troubles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, with only three out of 20 inherited runners scoring 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 struggling bullpen that has seen a series of injuries at the back end. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is on the injured list with a forearm strain, and middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective, ranking 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter compounds the issues, questioning the bullpen's 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 for the Cubs, particularly in managing inherited runners. Only three out of 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. His overall record is 2-4, making his placement on the injured list a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter’s injury, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill Leiter’s spot on the roster. Little has shown promise, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately as he joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny. He 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, as the team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. The Cubs are fighting to stay competitive, and managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount.
"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."