Much of the success to the 2016 Chicago Cubs is that they didn't have to deal with many injuries. Dexter Fowler missed some time in June, while Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop each landed on the DL late in the year. The 2018 Cubs just can't seem to escape the injury bug, as another one of their star players will be out.
Prior to Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs placed Bryant on the DL with a shoulder issue. Bryant has been struggling at the plate for a few weeks and the shoulder injury might be a reason why. Before Tuesday, Bryant didn't play for three straight games.
The Cubs made a couple more moves, as relief pitcher Justin Hancock was put on the DL as well and starting pitcher Duane Underwood, who made his MLB debut Monday, was optioned to Iowa.
Taking their places on the Cubs' 25-man roster are David Bote, Luke Farrell and Dillon Maples.
Bote's been up a few times with the Cubs already this season, playing in eight games. Farrell returns, but maybe the biggest move aside from Bryant going on the disabled list is the call up of Maples. This guy has flat out nasty stuff. Cubs fans saw a glimpse of his greatness at the major league level last year, but they also saw his biggest issue: command problems. The stuff is plenty good to get MLB hitters out, though.
In 2017, Maples struck out 11 batters in 5.1 innings with the Cubs, but also walked six during his six appearances during his first MLB stint. So far in 2018, Maples has 42 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. However, his walks have remained higher than you want, 24, moving his WHIP up to 1.54, despite batters only hitting .170 off of him. There's no doubt Maples has an electric repertoire of pitches, but the control has to be at least average for him to be successful. Hopefully he can give the Cubs' bullpen a boost, as Brandon Morrow and Carl Edwards Jr. are still on the DL. One final note, the Cubs currently have a spot open on their 40-man roster.
Hmmm, maybe a trade coming? Or a potential signing?!?!
I kid, I kid. But the Cubs could use some help in the bullpen.
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