Just as they looked to be on the verge of getting healthy, another Chicago Cubs pitcher has been placed on the injured list. This time, it’s rookie left-hander Luke Little. Little exited Friday night’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth inning with “left shoulder discomfort.” Before today’s double-header against the Cardinals, the Cubs placed him on the 15-day IL with what is officially being called a left shoulder strain. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled right-hander Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa.
#Cubs place Luke Little on the 15-day IL with a left shoulder strain. Ethan Roberts recalled.
Javier Assad reinstated as the 27th man in today’s doubleheader.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) July 13, 2024
Cubs Pitchers Have Struggled to Stay Healthy in 2024
The news comes just as the Cubs seemed to be trending toward full health. Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was activated off the IL earlier this week, and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks returned to start last night’s game in St. Louis.
Javier Assad was also activated off the 15-day IL today as the “27th man” for today’s double-header. He is slated to start the second game tonight. With reliever Julian Merryweather nearing his return from the 60-day IL, the Cubs bullpen was looking to be in great shape heading into the second half of the season. But these pesky injuries that have plagued Cubs pitchers all season keep popping up.
Little, 23, has been effective out of the bullpen so far this season despite getting bounced between Iowa and the Cubs quite a bit. He sits at 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings pitched. He also made a brief appearance for the Cubs last season, pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts. He’s been particularly good lately, as he’s not allowed an earned run in his previous 8 1/3 innings pitched. Aside from his rough March/April (7.00 ERA), he’s been on a great run. Little has allowed three earned runs in May, June, and July combined.
Cubs Pitcher Ethan Roberts Recalled From Iowa
With Little out, the Cubs recalled 27-year-old Ethan Roberts, who has appeared in just three games in 2024. However, he has tossed four scoreless innings in his brief time in the majors. Roberts’ only other appearance in the majors came in 2022 with the Cubs. He struggled in 7 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs on three home runs, finishing with an 8.22 ERA.
With some key Cubs pitchers nearing return either this weekend or after the All-Star break, the Cubs hope Little’s shoulder strain doesn’t keep him out long. Despite numerous injuries, the Cubs will finish the season’s first half in contention for a Wild-Card spot. If Cubs pitchers can stay healthy in the second half, a playoff push could be very possible.
Main Photo Credits: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
