The Chicago Cubs were dealt some brutal news on Thursday regarding a bullpen pitcher. Adbert Alzolay has been placed on the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain. MLB.com reports that he is likely to undergo surgery that would end his season. He has not pitched since May 12 as he has tried to rehab this injury. Now, he is shut down for the season.
Alzolay was struggling before the injury, holding a 4.67 ERA in just 17.1 innings pitched. He had his best season in 2023, with a 2.67 ERA and a 165 ERA+. He was closing games for the Cubs, posting 22 saves in his 58 appearances. Alzolay was slated for a big role in the Cubs bullpen before the injury.
The Cubs went out and picked up Tyson Miller back in May to replace Alzolay. Miller has been spectacular for the Cubs this season, holding a 1.73 ERA and 206 ERA+ in his 25 appearances. Those numbers need to continue if they want to make the playoffs.
The MLB trade deadline saw Chicago acquire a big infield piece and also sell off some players. Isaac Paredes is manning the hot corner for the Cubs for the foreseeable future. The former Rays third baseman was moved ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for multiple prospects. In the bullpen, they dealt Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees.
This confusing time for the Cubs comes as they try to balance rebuilding with maintaining competitiveness. The loss of Alzolay is a significant blow, but the performance of Tyson Miller and the addition of Isaac Paredes provide some hope for the remainder of the season.
Cubs need a miracle for playoff return
Fangraphs rates Chicago’s chances of making the playoffs at just 5.8%. They enter Friday’s action six games out of the Wild Card, owing primarily to recent troubles. The Cubs have gone 6-6 in the 12 games since the All-Star break, losing ground on their Wild Card opponents.