Chicago Cubs Lose Brad Wieck To 60-Day IL With Left Elbow Strain

Not a great day for the Chicago Cubs because their bullpen just took a big loss. Left-handed reliever Brad Wieck will start the season on the 60-day IL with a left elbow strain.

He was expected to be back on the mound after undergoing yet another heart surgery. In 2021, Wieck only managed to pitch in 17 innings. He had a K/9 of 14.82, a BB/9 of 5.29, his FIP was 1.64, with an ERA of 0, so he didn't allow a single run in his 17 innings of work last year, but it's also a small sample size. With Wieck going on the IL, it opens up a spot for the Cubs to officially sign right-handed reliever Chris Martin to a 1-year deal. Before the injury, Wieck was going to be the Cubs' primary left-handed reliever out of the bullpen. Now it looks like Justin Steele might have to start in the bullpen until Weick gets back. Newly signed Daniel Norris will have to come out of the bullpen. Non-roster invite Conor Menez also could be a potential fit in the bullpen since Wieck will start the year on the IL. The Cubs selected Menez in the first round of the 2021 rule 5 draft. ZiPS projections are K/9 9.17, BB/9 4.74/.HR/9 1.71, FIP 5.32, an ERA of 5.14 in 89 innings pitched. Jed Hoyer and GM Carter Hawkins can also look to free agency to fill that role.

Free Agents The Chicago Cubs Can Look At To Possibly Replace Brad Wieck In The Bullpen

With guys like Tony Watson come to mind. Watson pitched for the Angels, and the Giants last season. With the Angels, Watson pitched in 33 innings, he had a K/9 of 6.8, BB/9 was 3.8, and HR/9 is 0.8, with a FIP of 4.11, and his ERA was 4.64. With the Giants, his K/9 7.0, BB/9 1.5, HR/9 0.4, in only 24 innings pitched with a 2.96 ERA, so small sample size.