The Chicago Cubs have a four-game lead in the National League Central going into play on Friday. However, one of their starting pitchers just suffered an injury.
The Cubs’ rotation is already without Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery. Their starting rotation has a 4.22 ERA, which is among the worst in baseball. They just lost another starting pitcher, as Craig Counsell announced that Jameson Taillon suffered a calf strain after his bullpen session on Thursday.
Caunsell revealed that Taillon was running after his bullpen and felt something in his calf. Counsell said he will “miss a pretty significant amount of time.” The Cubs have placed him on the injured list and recalled Jordan Wicks from Triple-A.
Taillon had a 4.44 ERA this season in 17 starts. Wicks has made two appearances for the Cubs this year. He started 10 games for the team last year and has a 5.48 ERA. Wicks has a 4.06 ERA in 11 starts in Triple-A this year.
The Cubs once looked poised to run away with the National League Central. However, they failed to pull away from the Milwaukee Brewers and have seen their lead in the division shrink. The Cubs were already reportedly in the market for a starting pitcher. However, now they may feel more urgency to add a starter.
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Imanaga has been the Cubs’ best pitcher, but even he has missed over a month this year. The trade deadline is July 31, and the team could be aggressive to capitalize on what could be the Cubs’ only season with Kyle Tucker.
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