Chicago Cubs: Assessing the North Siders’ injuries

Brett Anderson, 60-Day DL

The Chicago Cubs signed Brett Anderson to a one-year deal this off-season. The lefty was brought in to help fill the vacant fifth starters’ spot. Before joining the Cubs, Anderson had dealt with injuries, the most recent of which required him to have back surgery in 2016.

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Through Anderson’s first two starts of 2017, the lefty looked like the answer to the Cubs’ problems. In 10 2/3 innings, Anderson compiled a 0.84 ERA with six strikeouts and five walks. Despite this fast start, Anderson soon began to regress.

In two starts in the month of May, Anderson allowed 12 earned runs and pitched just 1 2/3 innings. One day after his start on May 6, Anderson was placed on the DL with a back strain.

At first, Anderson went on the 10-Day DL. To open up a roster spot, he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 8.

Since being transferred, Anderson has made a rehab start in Double-A. That start occurred on Sunday. In four innings of work, Anderson surrendered one earned run on five hits. The 29-year-old did not walk or strikeout any of the 15 batters he faced.

It would seem likely Anderson would need multiple rehab starts before he comes off the DL. This would push his time-table for return to around the All-Star break.

Once Anderson is healthy, it will be interesting to see how the Cubs use him. In Anderson’s absence, Eddie Butler has been solid, posting a 4-2 record and 3.71 ERA in nine starts.