Cubs reliever suffers injury scare vs. Phillies

The Chicago Cubs were enduring struggles and injury misfortune through the first couple weeks of the 2026 campaign, and although this club looks completely different in late April, half of that statement remains true. The National League Central co-leaders earned their ninth straight win after outlasting the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, but they could be down another pitcher. Longtime reliever Caleb Thielbar exited the game with an apparent leg injury, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Starter Cade Horton’s season-ending Tommy John surgery understandably draws much of the focus, but the Cubs’ bullpen has also been significantly affected by health issues. Daniel Palencia, Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey have all landed on the injured list this season, so hopefully Thielbar gets some good news.

The 39-year-old left-hander allowed a game-tying home run to Adolis Garcia in the bottom of the ninth inning before leaving the mound in discomfort. Chicago ultimately prevailed following a Dansby Swanson walk-off single in the 10th, but concern remains for this veteran hurler. Thielbar, who has been one of the team’s most called-upon relievers, owns a 3.12 ERA in 11 appearances this season.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell would probably prefer to preserve an aging arm, but he has been backed into a corner during the pitching staff’s run of misfortune. He may have to get creative with his pen if Caleb Thielbar is forced to serve an IL stint. Chicago is obviously well-equipped to withstand adversity, however, so the Wrigley Faithful should remain optimistic amid this red-hot stretch.

The Cubs (16-9) will defend their streak when they battle the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers (17-8) on Friday night.