Cubs lefty Brad Wieck underwent a cardiac ablation procedure to prevent the recurrence of an intermittent atrial flutter that was discovered during his annual spring physical, the team announced. He’ll rest and rehab from the procedure next week before being reevaluated, at which point a timeline for his return to the mound will become clearer. A return in a few weeks’ time isn’t out of the question though, ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers tweets.
The Cubs acquired Wieck, 28, in the trade that sent righty Carl Edwards Jr. to the Padres prior to last year’s trade deadline. The lefty didn’t make his Cubs debut until being brought to the big leagues as a September call-up, but he gave the team some reason for optimism when he held opponents to four runs on two hits and four walks with 18 strikeouts in 10 innings (3.60 ERA, 2.71 FIP).
Wieck’s previous work with the Padres had been unsightly (18 runs in 24 2/3 innings), but his ability to miss bats was on full display there as well. In total, Wieck has tossed 41 2/3 innings in the big leagues, and while his 4.97 ERA in that time isn’t much to look at, his 59-to-13 K/BB ratio is certainly intriguing. Notably, he’s fared better against righties (.287 wOBA) than lefties (.307) in his young career.
If Wieck isn’t ready to go to begin the season, Kyle Ryan becomes the Cubs’ lone plausible left-handed bullpen option on the 40-man roster. Prospect Justin Steele is on the 40-man but has yet to pitch above the Double-A level (where he struggled in 2019). The only other lefties on the 40-man roster are Jon Lester and Jose Quintana.
That could open the door for a non-roster invitee like Tyler Olson, Rex Brothers, Danny Hultzen or CD Pelham to get a look, although the Cubs could also just roll with a primarily right-handed relief corps early in the season as well. Wieck himself wasn’t a lock for a spot, given that he has a minor league option remaining, though his September showing put him in a good position.
Yikes
Wow. Wishing for a speedy recovery for him!
My dad had that, but he was in his 80s and had (still has) atrial fibrillation. But an athlete in his 20s!?!
Age has zero to do with a defect.
Soooo many pitcher injuries this spring. I hope this trend stops soon.
cardiac issues are not “injuries”
I’m seeing cardiac issues/procedures more often these days with pro athletes. I don’t know if this is a good thing (catching it when they do) or if it’s a bad thing it’s becoming more common. Scary
I think it’s probably catching it earlier. Some of these things are just genetic defects and have nothing to do with age. Look at what happened to Danny Farquhar.
A lot of it is just better technology. They found out I had one when I was 24 and had played ball my entire life. Easy surgery, I was actually awake the entire time. Sounds worse than it is.
Holy crap, I don’t recognize the pitcher, but I also don’t recognize the medical terms other than cardiac, so I hope he gets better.
Hopefully Kimbrel wont be giving me cardiac problems this season.
Shut up.
Triggered
Or just a sissy?
I have had a few open heart surgeries. They’re rough no matter who you are. Recovery is an up and down process. Ablation is rough. Not as serious as other procedures but still very rough and not easy to just bounce back from.
Hopefully Wieck takes the proper time to heal and recuperate.
My mechanical pig heart goes out to him.
So glad they caught this in time. Lost an uncle to a heart attack. I’m sure this isn’t as serious but still nothing to be taken lightly. Prayers for a speedy recovery for him. He also dealt with a cancer scare awhile back as I recall so he’s quite the fighter. I’m a Wieck fan. Best of luck to you Brad!
I wonder how soon we will see the Corona Virus in MLB ?…..Seattle & San Francisco will be the likely first places where it could happen !
I wonder what it’s like being so completely alone as you?
hey Grumpy……..try to be happy…..Spring is here !
Not here. It’s 28 degrees.
Here’s a fun game:
Can you name 3 relievers that’ll be on the Cubs opening day roster not named Craig Kimbrel?
Pathetic that the Cubs did not address this glaring hole this offseason. The rest of the team could use some help, but it’s not bad… this bullpen is horrendous.
Ryan……..Wick………Mills,,,,,,
Here are three more…..
Jeffress……Sadler……..Cotton……
and three more that can make the roster……
Morrow………Wieck,,,,,,,,,Hultzen..
Wick I can accept, Kyle Ryan was inconsistent and now will have to adapt to the new 3 batter minimum rule, which could impact his performance.
Game is on the line, who are you counting on to get a big strikeout? Wick? Maybe, but he can’t pitch every game. Top to bottom, that bullpen has way too many holes and question marks.
I had one of these in 2010. No issues since. But my heart rate would get up to 240 BPM at times. It happened to me all the time from age of 14, until I did the ablasion at 26 years old. I figured it was just something I’d have to deal with. It didn’t hurt or anything. It happened every few months or so. You got this man. No worries. Everything will be alright, Brad. I wish you a long successful career.
Wow glad to hear you’re doing well. Thanks for sharing that.
A.J. Preller knew about this before Weick did.