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 challenges, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, with only three out of 20 inherited runners scoring against him throughout 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 struggling bullpen. The Cubs have endured a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, severely impacting their effectiveness. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather have similarly found themselves sidelined.
This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. With their bullpen ranking 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, the loss of Leiter compounds their issues, raising significant concerns 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, particularly in managing inherited runners. Only three of the 20 inherited runners have scored under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his performance metrics. His ERA now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances, and his overall record stands at 2-4. His placement on the injured list represents a critical loss for the Cubs during a challenging season.
Next Man Up
To fill Leiter’s spot on the roster, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little. Little has shown promise in his outings, but the pressure is on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny, and he will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the team’s late-game pitching options.
Focus will be on how the Cubs’ depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances from all members.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and the injury to Mark Leiter Jr. exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to step up and deliver strong performances. The Cubs’ fight to stay competitive hinges on how well they can manage their late-game pitching challenges. Maintaining consistency and effectiveness in the bullpen will be paramount as the Cubs look to navigate through this injury-ridden season.
"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."