Colten Brewer faced a challenging setback on Saturday when, following a tough outing against the Los Angeles Angels, he punched a wall in frustration, resulting in a fracture to his non-throwing hand. This incident led to the former Boston Red Sox reliever being placed on the 60-day injured list by the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
The sequence of events unfolded during a game where Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks exited early due to back tightness, necessitating Brewer’s early entry into the game. Unfortunately for Brewer, he struggled, yielding three runs (one earned) in just two-thirds of an inning during Chicago’s 7-0 loss to the Angels. Compounding his difficulties, Brewer made a critical throwing error that prevented what could have been a double play, managed to retire only two of the eight batters he faced, and struggled with his command, throwing strikes on only 19 of his 37 pitches.
After being removed from the game, Brewer’s frustration boiled over, leading to his ill-advised punch at the wall, an act that will now sideline him for a significant portion of the season.
The 31-year-old right-hander has endured a challenging season, reflected in his 5.66 ERA over 20 2/3 innings pitched. This season has not lived up to Brewer’s aspirations nor the Cubs’ expectations, adding to the frustration for both player and team alike.
Brewer’s tenure in Major League Baseball includes stints with the Boston Red Sox from 2019 to 2021. His most active season came in 2019, when he appeared in a career-high 58 games, striking out 52 batters and posting a 4.12 ERA while conceding six home runs. However, his performance fluctuated, and he did not secure a roster spot out of spring training in 2021, starting instead with the Worcester Red Sox, where he struggled with a 9.00 ERA in four appearances.
Replacing Brewer on the Cubs’ roster will be Hunter Bigge, a promising prospect who has excelled in Triple-A this season with a remarkable 0.77 ERA and 0.686 WHIP. Bigge has demonstrated strong command, recording 19 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings, making him a potential asset as the Cubs seek stability in their bullpen.
For Brewer, the road ahead involves rehabilitation and reflection on his actions, understanding the implications of his frustration-driven response. His absence from the Cubs’ bullpen underscores the challenges of professional sports, where mental resilience is as crucial as physical prowess.
As Brewer embarks on his recovery journey, the Cubs will navigate the remainder of the season with adjustments and reinforcements, hoping to stabilize their pitching staff and improve their performance on the field. The incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and emotional toll that professional athletes endure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and resilience in the face of adversity.
