Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
CHICAGO — In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs have suffered yet another setback. The team announced on Sunday that set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. has been placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain.
Leiter, 33, has experienced a recent downturn in performance, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances. Prior to this stretch, he had been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen, allowing only three out of 20 inherited runners to score against him. However, his ERA has now inflated to 5.34 over the course of 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for a struggling Cubs bullpen. The team has been plagued by a slew of injuries at the back end of their pitching staff. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined, leaving the bullpen both shorthanded and ineffective.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter only compounds these issues, putting their ability to hold leads and provide stability during late innings into serious question.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Despite his recent struggles, Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the Cubs' bullpen were significant. He excelled at managing inherited runners; only three of the 20 runners he inherited scored under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his performance metrics, bringing his ERA to 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record stands at 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 in the minors, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately upon his arrival. With the bullpen under heavy scrutiny, Little will need to quickly find his footing.
The Cubs hope that Little's addition can help stabilize their late-game pitching options. The team’s standing in bullpen rankings highlights the urgent need for effective performances. In Leiter's absence, managing late-game pitching challenges will be paramount for the Cubs as they fight to stay competitive.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen throughout the season. The latest injury to Mark Leiter Jr. exacerbates an already dire situation, placing even more burden on the remaining bullpen members and newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs strive to remain competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges has become paramount. Eyes will be on how the depleted bullpen manages without one of its key players, as every game becomes increasingly critical in their fight to stay afloat this season.