The Cubs got some good news on Brandon Morrow today, as the closer felt good after throwing a 19-pitch simulated game. (The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and the Chicago Tribune’s Paul Sullivan were among those who reported the news.) Morrow hasn’t pitched since July 15 due to biceps inflammation, and as recently as 10 days ago, manager Joe Maddon expressed some doubt that Morrow would be able to pitch again this season. In the wake of today’s simulated outing, Morrow could potentially be activated from the DL in time for at least part of the Cubs’ series against the Diamondbacks, which begins on Monday. Morrow won’t be used as a closer right away, Maddon said, as the team will ease the righty back into action by keeping him on pitch counts and avoiding using him in back-to-back games. Even in this limited capacity, Morrow’s impending return is nice boost for the Cubs’ postseason chances, as the veteran had a sterling 1.47 ERA, 9.1 K/9, and 3.44 K/BB rate over his first 30 2/3 innings in a Chicago uniform.
Here are some more injury updates from around baseball…
- In other Cubs injury news, Maddon told Sahadev Sharma (Twitter link) and other reporters that Jason Heyward could return from the DL as early as today after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. Kyle Schwarber hasn’t played since September 10 due to a bad back, though the slugger could be available to pinch-hit today.
- Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman felt good after a bullpen session today, and he’ll throw a simulated game on Monday or Tuesday, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch tweets. If all goes well, Chapman is on pace to be activated from the disabled list sometime this week. Chapman hit the DL due to knee inflammation on August 22, and there was even some concern that the problem could sideline the closer for the rest of the regular season. Now, however, it looks as if Chapman will be back on the field and get some time to work off the rust before the postseason.
- Diamondbacks southpaw T.J. McFarland hasn’t pitched since September 8 due to elbow soreness, though the problem appears to be only a bone spur rather than a more serious UCL issue, FOX Sports Arizona’s Jody Jackson reports (via Twitter). McFarland is back to playing catch with the hopes of a return to the mound. The left-hander has been a force for the D’Backs this season, posting a 2.00 ERA and a 67.9% grounder rate over 72 relief innings.
- Free agent reliever Adam Liberatore will require 6-8 weeks of recovery time after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports (Twitter link). The procedure isn’t expected to have any impact on Liberatore’s readiness for the 2019 season, though it will obviously slow his chances of immediately catching on with a new team. The left-hander was limited by knee problems this season and a forearm strain in 2017, and thus he has thrown just 16 1/3 Major League innings total in 2017-18. When healthy, Liberatore has looked like a solid relief option, posting a 3.55 ERA, 9.4 K/9, and 2.58 K/BB rate over 88 2/3 career frames for the Dodgers, who released Liberatore last week.
On the Liberatore blurb, I thought teams could not release someone if they were on the disabled list? Or was he released first, then diagnosed?
Pretty sure they can be released just not designated.
It will be nice to have Mr. Hayward and Schwarbs back in the lineup soon. May not like their stats, but the cubs are a better team with them both in line up.
Kyle has done a workman’s job in left…
I saw that Jerry Blevins is available from the Mets. I think they should try to grab him to help out the bullpen. It may be wise to try to get as many arms as possible that aren’t named Tyler Chatwood
I had similar thoughts
Can we stop pretending that most of these are actual injuries. The “disabled” list is basically a vacation/rest stop. Morrow inured…yes. The others…probably not.
So, the Cubs are in a playoff race and they would just “vacation/rest” Heyward and Schwarber??? Sounds like a solid plan…..
That is not what FJones said. He stated Morrow is hurt but pointed out the the DL is often used during the season for players who are not really injured and more so since the implemented the 10 day DL. And he is correct about that.
That was exactly what he said. “Morrow injures…the others probably not”
I agree that the new 10-day DL allows teams to rest players. Cubs did that earlier in season but silly to think they’d do it now.
How is it “silly” when they have a team that’s as deep as theirs is?? All of their bench players could easily be starters on the majority of the other teams.
Yes, teams will sometimes DL an underperforming player with a “phantom knee or back injury,” but that’s only when the team needs to free up a roster spot. In September, that doesn’t make sense. Especially a guy like Heyward who’s an ace on defense and has been hitting well this season.
I think these “injuries” are mandatory rest/punishment on certain players. Doe’s anyone believe Schwarbs tweaked his back on that slide into third then bomb that monster HR couple innings later?? He is way to disciplined with his work ethic and that is the rub, doesn’t fit into joKes’ rest style of coaching.
So arguably the best closer in baseball was just ok a vacation while the Yankees are trying to catch Boston?
Yankees aren’t catching Boston.
What Sort Of Operation Would Aroldis Chapman Need To Undergo,During The Off-Season,To Repair The Tendinitis In His Knee & Would He Be Able To Recover In Time For The Beginning Of 2019?