On Thursday, the Chicago Cubs received tough news about a bullpen pitcher, Adbert Alzolay, who has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a right flexor strain. According to MLB.com, he is likely to require surgery, effectively ending his season. Alzolay, who hasn’t pitched since May 12 while attempting to rehab the injury, is now sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Before his injury, Alzolay was struggling, posting a 4.67 ERA over 17.1 innings pitched. In 2023, however, he had a standout season with a 2.67 ERA and a 165 ERA+, closing games for the Cubs with 22 saves in 58 appearances. He was expected to play a significant role in the Cubs bullpen this season.
To fill Alzolay’s spot, the Cubs acquired Tyson Miller in May. Miller has been exceptional, recording a 1.73 ERA and a 206 ERA+ in 25 appearances. His performance will be crucial if the Cubs hope to make the playoffs.
During the MLB trade deadline, Chicago made significant moves, acquiring infielder Isaac Paredes from the Rays for multiple prospects and trading reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees. Paredes is now a key part of the Cubs’ infield, but the team remains in a precarious position as the National League Wild Card race heats up.
The Cubs have only a 5.8% chance of making the playoffs, according to Fangraphs, as they are six games out of the Wild Card with recent struggles. Since the All-Star break, the Cubs have gone 6-6, losing ground to competitors like the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Francisco Giants, who hold the top records in the National League.
In the division, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the National League Central, six games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals, with a 75.5% chance of winning the division. The Cubs are in last place, nine and a half games behind the Brewers.
While Isaac Paredes adds a new dynamic to the lineup, the Cubs face long odds to make the playoffs. With Alzolay’s season-ending injury and other teams in better form, their chances remain slim. However, with their top players returning in 2025, the Cubs could be a strong contender for the National League Wild Card next year.
