Unfortunately for the Chicago Cubs, another name has been added to their ever-growing injured list. This time, it’s starting pitcher Jordan Wicks. Wicks was scratched from tonight’s start against the Boston Red Sox after tightness in his forearm.
This is not an injury to be passive about, so the Cubs are acting quickly to shut him down. Wicks is the third piece of the starting rotation to miss time this season. Jameson Taillon was out to begin the year due to back discomfort (among other things). Justin Steel disturbed his hamstring in his first start on Opening Day.
Steele is due to return as soon as the next homestand, but the Cubs’ injured list is still too long and includes difference-making players. Steele, Julian Merryweather, Seiya Suzuki, and Cody Bellinger all remain out of competition with ailing injuries. However, this team is still fighting strong.
The Cubs have made a series of roster moves in correlation with Wicks going to the injured list.
Cubs Make Roster Moves In Wake Of Wicks Injury
Per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Jordan Wicks will be placed on the 15-day injured list. Relief pitcher Daniel Palencia has been recalled from AAA Iowa to fill his roster spot. In addition to this swap, the Cubs are also sending reliever Luke Little to Iowa in exchange for relief pitcher Richard Lovelady.
Palencia appeared in three games for the Cubs earlier this season. He pitched six innings, allowing four runs on six hits. He’ll make his return to the Cubs as soon as Sunday night. Lovelady’s most recent major-league action came in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics. In 20 appearances, he had an earned run average of 3.48 with 28 strikeouts.
When the Wicks injury was announced, the Cubs had a couple of different options to play with. It appears they are going with one or two bullpen days as part of the rotation until Justin Steele is able to return from injury. Manager Craig Counsell is also putting a couple of fresh arms in the bullpen as the cycle of using anyone and everyone continues.
Despite all these injuries, however, the Cubs continue to find ways to win and move forward. They’ll get another chance to prove this with another blow to the starting rotation.
