Brandon Hughes hasn't pitched in a MLB Spring Training since March 16. The left-handed reliever is projected to be the only southpaw in the Chicago Cubs bullpen on Opening Day, which makes the latest news on him that much more concerning.
According to the team, the 27-year-old is dealing with left knee inflammation, something the Cubs hope doesn't linger into the regular season.
That said, manager David Ross is erring on the side of caution.
“(Brandon) is a really important piece to us, but we’re gonna do what’s right by him for the season,” Ross said. “Same with Seiya [Suzuki’s injury] — are we going to risk anything that’s gonna deter him from having a really good season for us and be an important piece? No, we’re not.”
Hughes had a breakout season for the North Siders in 2022, posting a 3.12 ERA in 57 appearances, fanning 68 batters in 57.2 innings of work.
He also collected eight saves, which is important to consider going into this year should Chicago need him on days when either Michael Fulmer or Brad Boxberger are unavailable to pitch.
The knee injury has obviously impacted his availability and performance this spring. Hughes has a 6.75 ERA in four outings with only two strikeouts in 4.0 innings.
Under the umbrella that he begins the year on the injured list, an opportunity for someone like Ryan Borucki to step into Hughes' role makes a lot of sense. The former has been terrific this spring, fanning 13 batters in 7.2 innings.
The Cubs may have to consider other options as well.
“Yeah, yeah. We have righties in camp that can get lefties out, for sure, at a high rate, with a high punch rate,” Ross said.
Mark Leiter Jr.'s splits against lefties would make him a candidate for the Opening Day roster. In 2022, the right-hander limited left-handed batters to a .176 average and just .229 over his career.
Either way, Hughes being the only lefty in the bullpen is something that the Cubs should have a backup plan for should he be unavailable to pitch or, in this case, potentially missing time with an injury.
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