I’m trying not to be TOO pissed, because there is certainly some flukiness to it. But this is an example of why you just don’t get yourself into a situation where a reliever is out there running the bases.
Today the Cubs had to put breakout lefty Justin Steele on the IL with a hamstring strain after his trip around the bases that got him pulled from yesterday’s game:
The #Cubs today placed LHP Justin Steele on the 10-day IL with a right hamstring strain and recalled LHP Brad Wieck from @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/1tge4M1ygp
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 21, 2021
Softening the blow ever-so-slightly is that Brad Wieck, a fellow lefty, is also quite good (as we discussed this morning, the Cubs are very loaded in the bullpen depth department). I’m happy to see him come back up and get some innings. You just don’t want to see it happen because one of this year’s best – in both results and how he looks out there – relievers got hurt running the dang bases.
I suppose your other small silver lining is that at least the Cubs pulled Steele before he tried to pitch another inning yesterday, and who knows whether he aggravates the hammy further in the process. Hopefully this is a VERY minor strain, and hopefully it doesn’t cause any mechanical issues up the chain that take some time to work out.
In the meantime, welcome back, Brad Wieck. Happy to see him again, at least.