Injuries Plague Chicago Cubs’ Bullpen: Mark Leiter Jr. Hits the IL
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, had been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. This comes as a significant setback for the Cubs, who have relied heavily on Leiter's contributions throughout the season. Despite his recent issues, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, demonstrating a strong ability to manage inherited runners—only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. Nevertheless, his ERA has inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4.
The Cubs’ injury epidemic continues in the bullpen. The struggle for consistency and health is not a new issue for the team, but the recent wave of injuries has hit the bullpen particularly hard. 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, leaving the bullpen shorthanded and ineffective.
The statistics reflect the struggle. The Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, underlining the urgent need for effective pitching. Losing Leiter only compounds the existing problems, making it even more difficult for the team to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Early in the season, Mark Leiter Jr.’s contributions were significant. His proficiency in managing inherited runners was particularly notable, with only three of the 20 inherited runners scoring under his watch. However, his recent performances have severely affected his overall statistics. With an ERA that now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances and an overall record of 2-4, Leiter's placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter’s absence, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill the open roster spot. Little has shown promise in his previous outings, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He is joining a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny and in desperate need of stability and effective performance.
Little's success could be pivotal in the Cubs’ efforts to stabilize their late-game pitching options. The heightened focus will be on how this depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence. The current standing of the bullpen in the league emphasizes the urgent necessity for consistent and effective outputs from all members.
Conclusion
The string of injuries has significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and the addition of Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the situation. The burden of maintaining competitive performance falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive in a challenging season, managing their late-game pitching challenges is paramount. How effectively the team navigates these issues will likely determine their overall success as the season progresses.