This is a new one for me, as I’ve not seen this precise diagnosis before in my dealings:
The #Cubs today placed RHP Yu Darvish on the 10-day DL (retroactive to May 4) with parainfluenza virus. pic.twitter.com/WXMmlwggTF
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 7, 2018
Apparently – based on hasty Googling, which is always the best approach to medical issues – the parainfluenza virus is totally different than the influenza virus, though many of the symptoms sound similar. It’s not a torn elbow ligament, but as far as sicknesses go, it doesn’t sound pleasant.
Given that Darvish was scheduled to start tomorrow, the Cubs likely won’t announce a corresponding move until tomorrow when a starter takes his place. Upcoming scheduled Iowa Cubs starters include Michael Roth (tomorrow) and Alec Mills (Wednesday). Adbert Alzolay, in case you were wondering, just started two days ago. Mike Montgomery just threw three innings last night, so, unless Eddie Butler is ready to be activated from the DL, it’s looking like the Cubs are going to have to go with some kind of emergency fill-in type. More details when available. [UPDATE: Jen-Ho Tseng was supposed to start for the Iowa Cubs tonight, but he was just scratched at the last minute. So, despite his struggles so far this year, it looks like he’ll be the guy tomorrow.]
It sounds like the hope is that Darvish will make his next scheduled start, which would fall on Monday, the 14th (the makeup against the Braves). In case you’re wondering why the Cubs made the roster move today, it’s so they could backdate it three days (the maximum backdating now), and ensure he could come back for that particular game. Probably a good sign that this isn’t going to be a debilitating long-term thing.
Hopefully a little extra rest will do his arm some good. His velocity has been fine this year, but obviously his movement and command have been erratic at best.