Chicago Cubs: Which injured player’s return is most important?

Chicago Cubs: Stayin’ alive

So, what’s my point? Well, the Cubs can stay afloat without Bryant and Darvish. Hamels should stabilize the rotation in place of Chatwood; David Bote (.344 average, .983 OPS in 64 at-bats) is doing his best Bryant impression.

Still, the Cubs definitely need Bryant in order to achieve what they hope to this season. The same can likely be said for Darvish, though it’s anyone’s guess as to when he will return to game action. Can the same be said about closer Brandon Morrow, though?

I understand Morrow is a closer, not a former MVP or a pitcher with three 200-plus strikeout seasons on his résumé. However, Morrow’s absence due to a biceps injury has and will continue to have a ripple effect on the Cubs’ bullpen.

Without Morrow, the Cubs have no dominant pitcher waiting in the wings to truly “close out” an opponent. His fastball consistently hits 97+ MPH, all while throwing a nasty slider.