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 woes, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Notably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. However, his ERA has climbed to 5.34 across 32 games this season, and his overall record stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is just the latest setback for a beleaguered bullpen. The Cubs have seen a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen that has significantly impacted their performance. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain, while middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective, contributing to the team's struggles on the field.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. Losing Leiter further compounds the issues for the bullpen, which already has difficulty holding leads and providing stability in the late innings. The Cubs face a significant challenge as they attempt to navigate the rest of the season with a depleted bullpen.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions were significant for the Cubs, particularly in managing inherited runners. Only three of the 20 inherited runners scored under his watch, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record is 2-4, and his placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
To fill Leiter’s spot on the roster, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little. Little has shown promise, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny, and he will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options.
The focus will be on how the bullpen manages in Leiter's absence. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances from each member. The burden falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little to step up and deliver under pressure.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, the burden of managing their late-game pitching challenges falls on the remaining bullpen members and Luke Little. The Cubs hope that effective performances from their bullpen can help them navigate through this tough stretch and improve their standing as the season progresses.