Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian started in the spring training game on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals. He completed two shutout innings before coming out for the third. After giving up a leadoff single to Drew Waters, the training staff came to the mound and removed him from the game.
After giving up the single, Kilian appeared to be stretching something in his arm as he walked around the mound. He was visually uncomfortable, which brought the training staff out. We later found out it was his right shoulder where he felt the discomfort.
Coming into camp, it was a do-or-die mentality for Kilian. He was part of the trade that sent Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants in 2021. He started three games at the end of 2022 and three at the beginning of 2023. None were awe-inspiring, and his season with AAA Iowa did not turn many heads either.
So far this spring, though, he has been the best we have seen in the last couple of years. His path may not include starting in the major leagues, but he could help down the stretch out of the bullpen.
Then, Tuesday night happened, and everything came to a halt. We were all hoping his removal would end up being just a precaution by the Cubs, but the results are in, and it’s not great.
Caleb Kilian Has A Teres Major Strain
Caleb Kilian underwent an MRI on Wednesday, and the results show he suffered a teres major strain in his right shoulder. Per Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network, Kilian is expected to be out until midseason. If things go as planned, he will return to play in the summer.
This is quite a blow to Kilian and his future with the Cubs. 2024 was the year he really needed to separate himself from the results he’s had the last couple of years. But after just three appearances and six innings this spring, everything has come to a halt.
If Kilian can come back strong in July and August, there is still a chance he could impact the major league club down the stretch. But it is overwhelmingly likely his timeline for this year is pushed back to 2025. Contract-wise, he is still under team control through the 2026 season.
New Opening On The 40-Man Roster
With Caleb Kilian moving to the injured list, this opens a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster. Without him, the Cubs still have twenty pitchers on the roster. So, with plenty of speculation around the hot corner, the open spot could go to an additional infielder like David Bote or the surging Matt Shaw. Shaw is someone Craig Counsell labeled as a future asset we may see impact the Cubs as soon as this season.
Whatever the Cubs decide to do, it will be a pivot from what they wanted for Kilian and his future. While he was lucky there is no tear anywhere, losing a half-season in an important year is quite a blow. Here’s to a speedy recovery and a quick road back.
