The Chicago Cubs today placed outfielder Steven Souza, Jr. on the IL with a hamstring strain, and added utility man Hernan Perez from the South Bend alternate site to replace him. To open up a spot on the 40-man roster, lefty Brad Wieck was transferred to the 45-day IL (he was already going to be out for a while due to hamstring and knee issues).
Souza will be eligible to return in nine days, but even the most mild hamstring strains tend to cost guys at least three weeks, and usually more.
Facing lefties was already something of a problem for the Cubs. Yes, they can still put together a decent overall “against lefties” lineup, but they won’t be able to max out on righties, they will have to rely on Ian Happ and Victor Caratini (who are weaker from the right-handed side), and may also have to let Jason Heyward face more lefties (where he struggles). Plus, no big righty bat on the bench for late-game match-ups outside of Josh Phegley, who is still looking for his first hit. This injury sucks.
For his part, Perez likely offers really nice defense all over, and he’s been much better against lefties than righties in his career, but he’s not “a bat.” His career 88 wRC+ against lefties is 12% below league average – and that’s his good split. So. That South Bend group is very light on bats.
I’d say the Cubs’ interest in adding someone like Kevin Pillar in trade – for a very, very modest return – just went up a bit.