Good gravy. If you’re an important veteran Cubs reliever, you’re injured right now (or you’re Pedro Strop, and you just got back from the Injured List).
Add Steve Cishek to the pile of injured/absent relievers, today going on the Injured List with left hip inflammation – it’s almost like his heavy, heavy usage, despite not quite looking right, was not a great idea.
The #Cubs today placed RHP Steve Cishek on the 10-day IL with left hip inflammation. RHP Dillon Maples was recalled from @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/V3ty8VKtNG
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 10, 2019
Cishek had surgery a few years ago to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, so this is actually potentially more concerning than it sounds. Hopefully the Cubs are simply trying to get him some rest as his effectiveness has not been there the last few weeks.
In the meantime, the Cubs are also with Craig Kimbrel (knee), Brandon Kintzler (pec), and Kyle Ryan (bereavement list). Here’s hoping Dillon Maples is in one of those “playable control” stretches.
The Cishek news might not even be the worst bullpen news, either. Note the subtle Kimbrel update:
More bullpen updates:
• Kimbrel (10-day IL) meeting team in Philadelphia, where it’s possible he’ll throw a bullpen session.
• Kintzler (10-day IL) throwing bullpen today.
• Ryan (bereavement list) will meet team in Philly as well.— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 10, 2019
Kimbrel went on the IL last week with a knee issue that was termed very minor, and the expectation was he’d be good to go when his stint was up. Well, that stint is up on August 14, which is the second game in Philadelphia. And yet, there, it’s “possible” he’ll throw a “bullpen session.”
…
Yeah, that’s not even close to activation. Surprise! A Cubs injury estimate was wildly optimistic! Forgive the sarcasm, man, but I’m pretty concerned and ticked at the moment.
I guess the young guys will have to continue to step up into ever more critical roles in an ever more critical stretch of the season.