Chicago Cubs Face Roster Challenges Amid Injuries and Performance Issues

The Chicago Cubs’ 26-man roster faced scrutiny before Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The situation worsened as shortstop Dansby Swanson left the game due to left-side tightness after swinging at the first pitch, contributing to the Cubs’ 11-4 loss. Manager Craig Counsell indicated Swanson would likely need to go on the injured list.

Swanson was replaced by rookie James Triantos, who took over at second base, while Nico Hoerner moved to shortstop. In Swanson’s absence, Hoerner will cover shortstop duties, and rookie Pedro Ramírez is expected to play at second base. Ramírez, who debuted at first base in the major leagues during Sunday’s game, was giving Michael Busch a rest. The Cubs lack a backup first baseman following the trade deadline and want to manage Busch’s playing time carefully.

First base is a spot where we’re a little concerned about what’s next should something happen to Michael, Counsell said before the game. We need to get somebody that, at a certain point of the season, is comfortable playing there should a need arise.

Besides Swanson’s injury, the Cubs addressed other roster issues on Sunday. Right-hander Edward Cabrera returned from the injured list, reinstating a key offseason addition to their rotation. The Cubs had acquired Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in exchange for top prospects Owen Caissie and Cristian Hernández. His activation resulted in sending Javier Assad to Iowa to fit the 26-man roster. Assad had a remarkable 1.88 ERA since July, demonstrating versatility with several starts and relief appearances.

Despite his contribution, Assad was demoted due to having minor-league options left, unlike bullpen key players Ryan Rolison and Ryan Zeferjahn. Counsell explained the decision was vital for maintaining team depth.

Cabrera struggled in his return, giving up seven earned runs in Sunday’s defeat and increasing his ERA to 5.68, nearly matching his 2021 season’s 5.81 ERA. A blister on his right middle finger hampered his performance, an issue resurfacing since it landed him on the IL in May. Although aware of the blister, Cabrera withheld reporting it, affecting his control and contributing to a difficult inning.

That was what affected me there in the last inning, Cabrera said. I tried to battle, but I couldn’t finish the inning.

Consequently, Cabrera’s status as a starter is under evaluation. Left-hander David Peterson, acquired in a June trade from the New York Mets, may now serve as a bullpen option. Though the Cubs anticipated some rust from Cabrera, recurring command problems have complicated his role.

Considering Cabrera’s command issues, his future starts are uncertain. Counsell discussed potentially giving opportunities to other pitchers like Peterson, Assad, and Colin Rea for starting roles.

We’re going to have to talk about that, yeah, Counsell remarked regarding Cabrera’s rotation status.

Cabrera downplayed the injury, maintaining the blister would not lead to missing any starts. I have had those in the past, he asserted, reiterating his intent to continue pitching despite challenges.