Chicago Cubs urged to explore two off-the-beaten-path pitching pickups
The Chicago Cubs need pitching. Let’s not even beat around the bush when it comes to that reality.
On the starting pitching side of things, the team has lost ace Justin Steele for the season with an elbow injury. Co-ace Shota Imanaga has been out since early May with a hamstring injury that has proven to be a trickier mend than anticipated. Javier Assad has yet to pitch this season as he deals with an oblique issue that could keep him out of commission for a good bit longer.
In the bullpen, Porter Hodge is on the IL, dealing with an oblique issue of his own, which has now morphed into a hip problem. Offseason acquisition Ryan Pressly has not been the closer the Cubs had hoped him to be and his now sort of in bullpen limbo.
Just in general, though, a team needs a depth of pitching, especially if the team has serious postseason aspirations.
Chicago Cubs May Have To Get Creative With Pitching Additions
With the trade deadline still well down the road and the market looking to be slim and competitive, anyway, the Cubs may have to get creative in finding arms to fortify their rotation and secure their bullpen, while hoping for the healthy return of Imanaga.
Two recent proposals fall so far off the beaten path that some might say they’ve rolled into a ditch on the side of the road. But, actually, they might be worth looking into.
