Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman has suffered a right rib cartilage fracture, leaving his return to the rotation uncertain. The news was announced by the team on Wednesday, and here’s what you need to know about the situation.
Stroman was initially placed on the 15-day injured list due to right hip inflammation on August 2. At the time, both Stroman and the team believed he would only miss one start because of the built-in days off in the schedule. However, after a bullpen session in Toronto on Sunday, Stroman experienced discomfort in his right rib, forcing the team to change its plans of activating him for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
The 32-year-old pitcher has had a mixed season so far and has the option to opt out of his contract or remain with the Cubs next year for a guaranteed salary of at least $21 million. The fracture in his right rib adds another layer of uncertainty to his future with the team.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Stroman will not engage in any baseball activities until he is symptom-free. The Cubs are currently unsure of how and when the rib injury occurred, making it difficult to determine when Stroman will be able to pitch again.
With Stroman sidelined, Cubs manager David Ross is considering various options to fill the void in the rotation. One possibility is moving left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly out of the bullpen and back into the starting rotation. Javier Assad will take Stroman’s spot in Wednesday’s game, while Hayden Wesneski is expected to have an increased role. The Cubs also have promising pitching prospects like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks, who could potentially contribute later in the season. However, a healthy Stroman would undoubtedly be a significant boost for the team.
Ross expressed his disappointment at Stroman’s absence but remains optimistic that someone will step up and perform well in his absence. The team will have to rely on Stroman’s recovery and his ability to become symptom-free before determining his return timeline. The uncertainty surrounding his injury is undoubtedly a setback for the Cubs, but they remain determined to keep pushing forward.
In terms of Stroman’s performance this season, he has maintained a 3.85 ERA over 23 starts, covering 128 2/3 innings. However, his last three starts have been challenging, as he has failed to pitch more than 3 2/3 innings and has allowed 27 earned runs in six starts since July 1. Despite these struggles, Stroman’s presence on the mound is crucial for the Cubs’ success.
Currently, the Cubs hold a 61-58 record, placing them second in the National League Central and just one game behind a wild-card spot. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Stroman’s absence and continue their push for a playoff berth.
In conclusion, Marcus Stroman’s right rib cartilage fracture has left the Chicago Cubs uncertain about his return to the rotation. The team will have to rely on other pitchers to step up in his absence and maintain their competitive position in the league. Stroman’s injury adds another layer of uncertainty to his future with the team, as he has the option to opt out of his contract or remain with the Cubs next year. The team will closely monitor his recovery and work towards his return to the mound.