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Cubs Injury Update: Adbert Alzolay to IL with Forearm Strain

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated 5/13/24

Before Monday's game against the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs placed struggling reliever Adbert Alzolay will be placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. Injuries are never desirable, but with the way his season has gone, this move may be for the best.

Spending time away from the mound to heal up and get his mind clear could be just the thing Alzolay needs to turn his fortunes around. After a strong 2023 season in which he showed the skills to close, Alzolay has gone south fast.

For a Cubs team in desperate need of a lockdown closer, Alzolay's fall from grace has come at the worst of times. The Cubs are still near the top of the NL Central but would be much better off with a lockdown closer.

Hector Neris has done the best he can, but he was brought in to help get the game to Alzolay. With one less reliever, the Cubs have had a rough time preserving leads provided by their dominant rotation.

With five blown saves, Alzolay's grip on the closer's role slipped quickly. He was relegated to low-leverage situations in hopes of working through his struggles.

With the righty now on the shelf, the Cubs can use another fresh arm in hopes of finding quality production. This time, they'll turn to another reliever who's endured struggles in Jose Cuas.

The injuries to the Cubs' bullpen have been unrelenting. Adding in substandard results doesn't help a team trying to make the playoffs either. With every injury will come a reminder that Jed Hoyer needs to fix the Cubs' relief issues and do so soon.

If the Cubs think they can ride a patchwork bullpen into the playoffs, they'll be in for a rude awakening. The starting pitching has been phenomenal, but there's no guarantee that it can keep up.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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