Chicago Cubs: Injuries Testing Depth

The 2016 Major League season opened with much fanfare for the Chicago Cubs. Praise for the team’s line-up and starting rotation lead many expects to pick the Cubs to win the National League and the World Series. But what set the Cubs apart at the beginning of the season was the depth of team.

A team build by Theo Epstein through reconstructing the farm system, great scouting of potential players, and key free agency signings. That depth has been tested since opening day.

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Injuries have forced moves since the opening week of the season. The Chicago Cubs Nation gasped for air and held their collective breath when Kyle Schwarber collided with Dexter Fowler on April 7, 2016. Torn ligaments in Schwarber’s left knee ended his season.  As it stands today (June 25) eight of the Cubs’ opening day 25-man roster are listed on the injury report. The team has been forced to rely on the talent prospects in the minors and, so far, it has helped them more than tread water.

Cubs prospects have a knack for making a impact on the game when they arrive. In 2014, Javier Baez opened his career with a home-run off on August 5th. Fellow rookie Jorge Soler did the same off Mat Latos on twenty days later. Kris Bryant won the 2015 Rookie of the Year. And, of course, we all know about Schwarber’s ball that sits on top of the right field score board at Wrigley.

Those called up this year have also shown they are ready for this level. Albert Almora, Jr, nailed Odubel Herrera at the plate with a strong throw from left-center. And on the first pitch he saw at his first plate appearance, Willson Contreras hit a home run. Since then, he has batted .412 with 2 more homers and playing at catcher and first base.

Away Back Gone

The Cubs are loaded with talent, but what will happen with Fowler, La Stella, and Soler return from the DL? Who will get demoted and who stays?

There are two good things about the current slump the Cubs have endured. First, it is before the All-Star break giving the team plenty of time to recover and to push toward the playoffs. Secondly, because of the injuries and call-ups, the Cubs have auditioned players for their scouts and for the scouts of other teams. With an August 1 trade deadline, all teams in the MLB have watched what players like Soler, Almora, and Contreras perform at the big-league level. With the Cubs in a trade market for bullpen help, these auditions could prove useful for a team like the Yankees or Braves who are looking or bright young talent.

Which, again, begs the question who stays and who goes.  If Theo and Joe Maddon stick to their ways, Contreras and left-hander Gerardo Concepcion should remain with the team. Willson has helped in keep the Cubs afloat playing multiple positions. Concepcion has shown promise in his two games since being called up. With Adam Warren being added to the rotation, two pitching spots are needed, leading to demotions of Carl Edwards, Jr., and Sean Patton.

The problem is with the position players and bench. When Fowler and LaStella return from the DL, they will be on the roster. Soler would make 26 players. Is he expendable or will they make room for him? That is the true question to be answered. As stated in a previous article, Soler could be moved for bullpen help when packed with another player or two.

When you really look at the current situation, the Cubs slump comes at a good time. Some tough decision will be made in the coming month to set this team up for a trip to the World Series. Stayed tuned, Cubs’ Nation. It could be an interesting ride.