In a season plagued by injuries, the Chicago Cubs suffered another setback as standout reliever Luke Little was placed on the 15-day injured list following a shoulder injury sustained against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. The 23-year-old left-hander, who has been a key figure in the Cubs’ bullpen, called for the trainer after delivering his fourth pitch in the eighth inning. The team later confirmed the severity of the injury, although surgery will not be required.
A Rocky Start and a Steady Climb
Little, who posted a 3.43 ERA over 26 innings this season, has been a pillar of consistency for the Cubs despite an early-season hiccup. On April 27, against the Boston Red Sox, Little allowed five runs in a brief, disastrous outing. Since then, he has rebounded impressively, conceding just five earned runs across his other 28 appearances, equating to a stellar 1.78 ERA over 25.1 innings.
His dominance was especially notable in recent weeks. Beginning June 14, Little embarked on a nine-game scoreless streak, significantly bolstering the Cubs’ bullpen during a critical stretch. His performance was not just about keeping runs off the board; he was exceptional against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .485 OPS and allowing only one earned run over 12.1 innings.
The Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
The Cubs’ 2024 season has been marred by injuries, particularly within the pitching staff. Little’s injury is a significant blow, given his role as manager Craig Counsell’s go-to reliever in matchups against left-handed batters. The timing is unfortunate as the bullpen had just started to find its rhythm since the beginning of June.
Ethan Roberts, who returned from Tommy John surgery earlier this season, has been called up to fill the void left by Little. Roberts, 27, impressed in his brief stint earlier this year, pitching four scoreless innings across three appearances before being optioned back to Triple-A. Right-handed starter Javier Assad has also been activated as the 27th man for the doubleheader in St. Louis.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Little’s journey to the big leagues is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. Drafted by the Cubs in 2020, he initially progressed through the minor leagues as a starting pitcher before transitioning to the bullpen in 2023. This move proved successful, and he was promoted to the majors in September of that year. Despite limited appearances at the end of the 2023 season, Little delivered 6.2 shutout innings, earning him a spot on the 2024 Opening Day roster.
His ability to bounce back from a rough outing against the Red Sox and deliver consistent performances throughout the season highlighted his potential as a reliable bullpen arm. Prior to his injury, Little had struck out 28 batters in 26 innings, showcasing his effectiveness and resilience.
Looking Ahead
While Little’s absence is a setback, the Cubs are hopeful that his injury is a temporary hurdle. The team will need to rely on its depth and the contributions of Roberts and others to navigate this challenging period. The Cubs’ ability to stay competitive amidst a season filled with adversity will be crucial as they aim to make a push in the second half of the year.
For now, the focus remains on Little’s recovery and the bullpen’s ability to step up in his absence. The Cubs have shown resilience throughout the season, and with key players returning to form, there is optimism that they can continue to compete at a high level. As for Little, his performances this season have already cemented his role as a vital part of the Cubs’ pitching staff, and the team eagerly awaits his return to the mound.
In a season plagued by injuries, the Chicago Cubs suffered another setback as standout reliever Luke Little was placed on the 15-day injured list following a shoulder injury sustained against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. The 23-year-old left-hander, who has been a key figure in the Cubs’ bullpen, called for the trainer after delivering his fourth pitch in the eighth inning. The team later confirmed the severity of the injury, although surgery will not be required.
A Rocky Start and a Steady Climb
Little, who posted a 3.43 ERA over 26 innings this season, has been a pillar of consistency for the Cubs despite an early-season hiccup. On April 27, against the Boston Red Sox, Little allowed five runs in a brief, disastrous outing. Since then, he has rebounded impressively, conceding just five earned runs across his other 28 appearances, equating to a stellar 1.78 ERA over 25.1 innings.
His dominance was especially notable in recent weeks. Beginning June 14, Little embarked on a nine-game scoreless streak, significantly bolstering the Cubs’ bullpen during a critical stretch. His performance was not just about keeping runs off the board; he was exceptional against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .485 OPS and allowing only one earned run over 12.1 innings.
The Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
The Cubs’ 2024 season has been marred by injuries, particularly within the pitching staff. Little’s injury is a significant blow, given his role as manager Craig Counsell’s go-to reliever in matchups against left-handed batters. The timing is unfortunate as the bullpen had just started to find its rhythm since the beginning of June.
Ethan Roberts, who returned from Tommy John surgery earlier this season, has been called up to fill the void left by Little. Roberts, 27, impressed in his brief stint earlier this year, pitching four scoreless innings across three appearances before being optioned back to Triple-A. Right-handed starter Javier Assad has also been activated as the 27th man for the doubleheader in St. Louis.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Little’s journey to the big leagues is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. Drafted by the Cubs in 2020, he initially progressed through the minor leagues as a starting pitcher before transitioning to the bullpen in 2023. This move proved successful, and he was promoted to the majors in September of that year. Despite limited appearances at the end of the 2023 season, Little delivered 6.2 shutout innings, earning him a spot on the 2024 Opening Day roster.
His ability to bounce back from a rough outing against the Red Sox and deliver consistent performances throughout the season highlighted his potential as a reliable bullpen arm. Prior to his injury, Little had struck out 28 batters in 26 innings, showcasing his effectiveness and resilience.
Looking Ahead
While Little’s absence is a setback, the Cubs are hopeful that his injury is a temporary hurdle. The team will need to rely on its depth and the contributions of Roberts and others to navigate this challenging period. The Cubs’ ability to stay competitive amidst a season filled with adversity will be crucial as they aim to make a push in the second half of the year.
For now, the focus remains on Little’s recovery and the bullpen’s ability to step up in his absence. The Cubs have shown resilience throughout the season, and with key players returning to form, there is optimism that they can continue to compete at a high level. As for Little, his performances this season have already cemented his role as a vital part of the Cubs’ pitching staff, and the team eagerly awaits his return to the mound.
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