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.
The 33-year-old Leiter 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, particularly adept at managing inherited runners—only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him. His ERA, however, 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 seen a series of injuries at the back end of their bullpen, further complicating their season. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is 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. The Cubs’ bullpen currently ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, and the loss of Leiter compounds these issues. As a result, the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings is now in serious question.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions were significant. He was particularly effective at managing inherited runners, with only three of the 20 inherited runners scoring under his watch. However, his recent outings have severely affected his overall performance, causing his ERA to rise to 5.34 over 32 appearances. With an overall season 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 injury, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill the vacant spot on the roster. Little, a promising talent, will be under immense pressure to perform at a high level immediately. Joining a bullpen already under heavy scrutiny, Little will need to quickly find his footing. The Cubs are hopeful that Little's presence can help stabilize their late-game pitching options. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances, and all eyes will be on how their depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and the recent injury to Mark Leiter Jr. exacerbates an already dire situation. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs strive to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges will be paramount. The team will be counting on every arm in their bullpen to step up and fill the void left by Leiter's absence.
Quotes:
"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."