The Chicago Cubs recently found out that ace Justin Steele will need season ending surgery to repair the flexor tendon and address the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. This is a big blow to a team that has its sights set on making a playoff run.
Unfortunately, more concerns have arisen as another Cubs pitcher was removed from a game due to an elbow issue.
Chicago Cubs reliever removed from San Diego Padres game due to an elbow issue
Against the Padres on Monday night, reliever Eli Morgan exited with the athletic trainer. On this given night he recorded just two outs, gave up three hits, walked one, allowed two home runs, and was tagged with four earned runs. Overall this season, Morgan has a 12.27 ERA as he has given up 10 earned runs over his first 7.1 innings as a member of the Cubs.
Eli Morgan is expected to be placed on the injured list
Cubs manager Craig Counsell told Jordan Bastian of MLB.com that Morgan’s been dealing with this elbow issue and will require further evaluation. Taylor McGregor of Marquee Network then reported that a roster move is expected, meaning he will be placed on the injured list.
Options to replace Eli Morgan
With Morgan expected to hit the injured list, the Cubs will need to fill his spot in the bullpen. 40-man roster options include recently acquired southpaw Tom Cosgrove, Gavin Hollowell, Luke Little, Jack Neely, Daniel Palencia, and Jordan Wicks. Pitching prospect Cade Horton, who is not on the 40-man roster, could also be considered but is less likely given he is built up to cover multiple innings whereas Morgan was not.
With Steele already lost for the season and Morgan’s status unknown, the Cub’s pitching depth is being tested early. Chicago did a fine job creating a deep roster this off-season, and now that depth will be tested early on. If they don’t live up to expectations, the front office may be forced to explore external reinforcements.