Chicago Cubs: Hector Rondon looks to have escaped serious injury

After Chicago Cubs pitcher Hector Rondon was forced to leave Wednesday night’s game after a collision at the plate, there was immediate concern from Cubs Nation.

Your opinion of Chicago Cubs reliever Hector Rondon might not be favorable. His fall from closer to middle-relief isn’t as dramatic as say, Carlos Marmol, but it’s been a rough year for Rondon–minus that World Series Champion thing. But one thing is for certain. The Cubs cannot afford to lose him, or anyone off of this bullpen–at least this early in the season.

After the Cubs acquired Aroldis Chapman last season, Rondon happily gave his job up to Chapman–not that he had a choice, but he did and said all the right things. Later, he would miss time with a sore triceps. Since then it seems he’s struggled to find the form that made him an effective closer for the Cubs from 2014 through last year.

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The biggest issue for Rondon has been location. He’s been unable to hit his spots like he had in the previous two years. And the one place it’s most clear is the long ball.

In his first two years as the Cubs’ closer, he allowed just eight home runs. Last year alone he equaled that number. And already this season in just 3 1/3 innings he ‘s already allowed one. Be it a closer or middle relief, giving up the gopher ball is a bad, bad thing.

Things looking up for Hector

So after getting a precautionary MRI, it looks like Rondon has escaped serious injury, even though he said he heard a “pop” after the collision. On Thursday, Rondon threw a side session and said he felt much better. While it’s been a grab bag as far as his performances as of late, he still has good stuff. And he’s the most qualified to take over if something should happen to Cubs’ current closer, Wade Davis.

Yes, the Cubs have some other options, but none are proven. It would be tough for Joe Maddon to make the decision to go with an inexperienced closer at the major league level. Pitchers like Pedro Strop and Carl Edwards, Jr.? Potential exists, but they’ve been inconsistent when put in the role. At least in the case of Strop.

Next: Cubs offense has been erratic early on

The Cubs have a 2.49 ERA out of the bullpen, and a 2.59 as a staff. Opinions of the bullpen may vary, but in actuality, it’s been very strong. And if it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it. Or in the case of Rondon, don’t let it break. Whichever the case, the Cubs bullpen needs to stick together as long as possible.