CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as setup reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter's Struggles and Contributions
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite his recent downturn, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. Notably, only three out of 20 inherited runners have scored against him this season. However, his ERA has now inflated to 5.34 across 32 games, reflecting some of his recent challenges. Currently, his season record stands at 2-4.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for a struggling bullpen that has been hit hard by a series of injuries. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Similarly, middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are sidelined. This string of injuries has left the Cubs' bullpen not only shorthanded but also ineffective, ranking 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA. The loss of Leiter only compounds these issues, putting into question the bullpen's 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. Out of the 20 runners he inherited this season, only three have scored. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now sits at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record is 2-4. Leiter’s placement on the injured list is a critical loss for the Cubs, given his earlier impact on games.
Next Man Up: Luke Little
To fill Leiter’s spot on the roster, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little. Little has shown promise in his previous outings, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen under heavy scrutiny and will need to quickly find his footing. The Cubs hope Little can help stabilize their late-game pitching options, though the team’s standing in bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen this season. Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury exacerbates the issue, placing an additional burden on the remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, managing their late-game pitching challenges has become paramount. The team's success will largely depend on how well their depleted bullpen manages in Leiter's absence and whether they can find the stability needed to close out games effectively.