The Chicago Cubs announced Tuesday a few injury updates regarding Nick Madrigal, Adbert Alzolay, Brandon Hughes, and Nick Burdi. Let’s dive into them.
Nick Madrigal Headed to IL
After Nick Madrigal exited Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, there was considerable concern about the health of the third baseman. The questions about his status have now been answered as the Cubs placed Madrigal on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.
Madrigal’s injury comes as another blow to the Cubs, who have seen several players head to the IL late in the season. Madrigal has been a solid player for the Cubs throughout the season, posting a .311 on base percentage and playing better than expected defensively at third base.
If Madrigal’s rehab goes well, there is a chance he could return in time for the final series of the season. Hopefully the Cubs are still in a playoff push by then.
Jared Young Recalled from Triple-A Iowa
In place of the injured Madrigal, the Cubs recalled Jared Young from Triple-A Iowa.
Young, who’s appeared in 13 games for the Cubs, has enjoyed a solid season with the Iowa Cubs. In 90 games, he’s posted a .310/.417/.577 slash line with 21 home runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 50 walks, and 72 RBIs. Chicago hopes the left-hander can bring some of that production with him to the MLB lineup over the final two weeks of the season.
Adbert Alzolay Long Tossing
Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay hit the IL earlier this month with a forearm strain, and it was assumed that the righty may be done for the season. But given recent reports, that may not be the case.
According to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network, Alzolay threw a long toss session Tuesday.
Could Alzolay be on the fast track back to the Cubs’ bullpen before the end of the season? Possibly.
I look at it this way: if the Cubs did not think there was a chance for Alzolay to return this year, would they even risk injuring the young right-hander this early in his career? I don’t think so. Maybe it’s something; maybe it’s nothing. But where there’s smoke there’s fire, and I’m hoping Alzolay can help provide a spark in the Cubs’ bullpen before the end of the year.
Brandon Hughes and Nick Burdi Throwing Live
Brandon Hughes and Nick Burdi haven’t appeared for the Cubs since the first half of the season, but both relief pitchers may be returning to the bullpen soon.
According to Martinez, Hughes is expected to throw with the Iowa Cubs Tuesday and Burdi is will follow suit Wednesday. With the minor-league season winding down, both bullpen arms could be set to return to Chicago’s bullpen soon.
With the Cubs limping to the finish line thanks to the plethora of injuries, they could use all the help they can get to finish off the final two weeks of the season and hopefully make the playoffs.
More must-reads: