The Chicago Cubs are dealing with a series of injuries to their bullpen, requiring them to make several roster moves.
Prior to their game against the Dodgers on Friday, the Cubs placed Caleb Thielbar on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. To bolster their relief options, the North Siders selected the contract of righty Vince Velasquez from Triple-A Iowa to fill a spot in the relief corps.
Thielbar’s Hamstring Injury
Thielbar sustained the injury during the ninth inning of Thursday’s game against the Phillies. The game resulted in an 8-7, 10-inning win.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell described Thielbar’s setback as potentially mild. Counsell indicated that they hope it will be a short-term absence.
Counsell noted that Thielbar had a similar injury in 2022 and in ’24 with the Twins. Thielbar indicated to the Cubs that the current ailment seems less severe.
Through 11 appearances this season, Thielbar has a 3.12 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings. He also has two saves.
Other Cubs’ Injuries
Thielbar joins a list of relievers on the 15-day IL, including Phil Maton, Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, and Ethan Roberts. Porter Hodge, who has been out since Spring Training, recently underwent season-ending surgery on his right elbow and was transferred to the 60-day IL on Friday.
There have been some positive signs regarding the injured relievers. Maton logged one scoreless inning in a Minor League rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Friday night. Palencia is set to throw off a mound on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. Harvey has resumed playing catch, which is the initial step in his throwing program. Roberts was back on a mound earlier this week.
Bullpen Performance Amidst Injuries
Despite the injuries, the Cubs’ bullpen has performed well. Entering Friday, the Cubs’ bullpen had a 3.54 ERA, ranking seventh in the National League and ninth in the Majors.
The group’s 2.73 ERA dating back to April 8 was the fourth lowest in MLB in that span, entering Friday.
Counsell acknowledged the challenge of replacing injured players with the same level of quality. He believes the team has not sacrificed quality so far and that the pitchers have done a great job.
Lopez Acquired for Utility Role
The Cubs acquired Nicky Lopez from the Rockies for cash considerations on Thursday. He officially joined the big league squad on Friday in L.A.
Chicago selected Lopez’s contract from Triple-A Iowa and cleared room on the active and 40-man rosters by designating infielder Scott Kingery for assignment.