Cubs top pitching prospect receives pivotal injury update

As the Chicago Cubs try to climb up the NL Central standings, they are once again in need of pitching. If they were to look to the minor leagues for help, top prospect Jaxon Wiggins would be one of their top options.

The only problem is that Wiggins is currently dealing with elbow inflammation. The right-hander is slated to soon throw a bullpen session, but the Cubs don’t have a current timetable set for his return, via Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.

“Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins (elbow inflammation) is throwing a bullpen in next day or so in Arizona, which he’s had a few of, but president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said there’s nothing beyond that to report,” Montemurro wrote. “Wiggins has not yet ramped up to game situations.”

Once that bullpen session happens, Chicago will have a better idea of their next steps. Wiggins still has a number of hurdles to cross before he is back pitching in live games again. But at least throwing off the mound would be a strong step towards that return.

Wiggins currently ranks as the best pitching prospect in the Cubs’ organization, their third-best overall and No. 88 in all of baseball, via MLB Pipeline. Over his two starts in Triple-A this season, Wiggins holds a 5.63 ERA and a 10/5 K/BB ratio. But perhaps the elbow inflammation was limiting his game. Overall, Wiggins has pitched to a 3.27 ERA and a 178/77 K/BB ratio over his 39 minor league games.

With players like Edward Cabrera and Matthew Boyd on the injured list, among others, the Cubs wouldn’t mind Wiggins working his way into the major league mix. But first he must get past his elbow injury. If his bullpen session goes smoothly, it’s at least a sign he is on the right track.