Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs have been dealt another blow. 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 these struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Remarkably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him, highlighting his effectiveness in high-pressure situations. However, his ERA has steadily inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, and his season record stands at 2-4.
Cubs' Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is just the latest setback in a season riddled with bullpen woes for the Cubs. The team has faced a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, exacerbating their struggles. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is already on the injured list with a forearm strain. Additionally, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined, leaving the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective.
Currently, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter further compounds these issues, casting significant doubt on the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Earlier in the season, Mark Leiter Jr.’s contributions were substantial. He was particularly adept at managing inherited runners, with only three of the 20 inherited runners scoring under his watch. This effectiveness made him a vital asset in critical game moments. However, his recent outings have significantly impacted his overall performance stats. His ERA has climbed to 5.34 over 32 appearances, and his win-loss record stands at 2-4. His placement on the injured list is undoubtedly a critical loss for the Cubs, underlining the mounting challenges facing their bullpen.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter's injury, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill the vacant roster spot. Little has shown promise in his previous outings, but the pressure will now be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is under heavy scrutiny and in desperate need of stability.
Little will need to quickly find his footing and deliver effective performances to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options. As the team grapples with their depleted bullpen, the focus will be on how well they manage in Leiter's absence. The Cubs' current standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective and consistent performances from the remaining bullpen members.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates an already troubling situation. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and newly-called-up Luke Little to meet the team's late-game pitching needs. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be paramount to their success.
"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."