Speculation surrounding Jason Heyward’s sprained finger/knuckle injury started to grow as he veteran right-fielder was held out of the Cubs exhausting 18-inning marathon against the Yankees Sunday night.
The growing concern that Heyward might have to spend some time on the DL was soldified earlier today when Jesse Rodgers broke the news.
Jason Heyward is going on the 10 day DL. retro to 5/6. Righty Dylan Floro comes up from Iowa
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 9, 2017
And to make matters even worse, former Cub Matt Szczur was just designated for assignment a few days ago and was officially traded to the Padres today.
The #Cubs today acquired minor league RHP Justin Hancock from the San Diego #Padres for OF Matt Szczur.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 9, 2017
However, with the Cubs bullpen pitching currently leading the league in innings pitched, Heyward heading to the DL might actually be a blessing in disguise. The Cubs selected the contract of RHP Dylan Floro, who has a 5.06 ERA in 8 games with the Iowa Cubs in 2017. Floro made 12 relief appearances for Tampa Bay last season, where he registered an average 4.20 ERA but an impressive 8.40 K/9, showing he can miss some bats.
It is also expected that RHP Eddie Butler eventually makes his way to Chicago to replace Brett Anderson, who also just placed on the 10-day DL. Expect Ben Zobrist to become the starting right fielder for the next two weeks while Heyward recovers from his finger sprain.
These Cubs are officially off to a rough start of 2017, but at least it isn’t interesting.
