The Chicago Cubs have faced significant injury issues throughout the 2024 MLB season.
One player who has struggled with injuries is young starter Jordan Wicks. The 24-year-old has missed multiple periods this season due to various injuries.
Wicks has only started six games and appeared in seven this year, posting a 1-2 record with a 4.18 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP, a 3.2 K/BB ratio, and 28.0 innings pitched. His last appearance was on June 14th before he was sidelined by an oblique injury.
Recently, Wicks shared an update on his recovery, expressing his hope to return to the field before the season ends. He is scheduled to make a Triple-A start on Tuesday but will need at least two more starts before he can rejoin the major league team.
Before his current oblique issue, Wicks dealt with a forearm problem.
Wicks voiced his frustration about the season, stating, “I really wanted to be out there. They just happened to be back-to-back. It’s tough but it’s part of it.”
Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented on Wicks’ situation, noting, “He needs to pitch. He’s, admittedly, a little rusty. He needs to get back on the mound, get into the routine: bullpens, pitching and then we’ll see where we’re at.”
While there’s no certainty that Cubs fans will see Wicks again this season, he is working hard to make a return. His health and development are crucial for the future of the team.
In other news, Lopez’s performance on Saturday gave Cubs fans hope that he might replace Neris as the closer. Despite allowing a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, Lopez struck out George Springer, Daulton Varsho, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., securing the win.
Neris, who has a 3.93 ERA in 45 appearances and an unsustainable 1.512 WHIP, has been inconsistent. With Neris currently at 45 appearances and 32 games finished, the Cubs might prefer to avoid the $9 million option if he continues to struggle.
Given Neris’s unreliability and Lopez’s strong performance, the Cubs should consider letting Lopez or another reliever take over the closer role to improve their chances and manage the contract situation.
