Not an hour ago, word broke that the Cubs had designated outfielder Matt Szczur for assignment, while recalling left-handed reliever Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa in exchange. At the time, I speculated that starting pitcher Brett Anderson’s shaky start to the season and the bullpen’s recently heavy usage was the impetus for the swap.
And although we can’t be sure that was the reason – at least, right now – the move has already proved to be more prescient than we’d like.
Félix Peña enters to pitch in the 1st after Brett Anderson exits with the athletic trainer.#Cubs trail 5-0.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 6, 2017
After allowing five earned runs on six hits in the top of the first inning, Brett Anderson left the game with the Cubs’ athletic trainer after recording just one out. There is no other news/details on his injury yet, but we’ll let you know when we hear anything. For now, Felix Pena has entered the game and will try his very best to pitch as deep as he can.
The snowballing effect of losing a starting pitcher during a heavy-bullpen-usage period is not good. Hopefully, the Cubs can manage, though I suspect we’ll see a few more roster moves before the week is over.
Anderson has allowed 34 hits, 12 walks, and 19 earned runs in his first 22.0 IP as a Chicago Cub.
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UPDATE: It’s not a hugely revelatory update, but lower back tightness appears to be the reason for the early exit for Anderson:
Anderson came out of the game because of low back tightness. He's being evaluated. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 7, 2017
You can read more about Anderson and his (back) injury history here.