Chicago Cubs’ Yu Darvish has a ‘minor fingernail issue,’ but no worries

The Chicago Cubs’ Yu Darvish stood at the mound, looking at the dugout. Not again. But it was just a fingernail issue–thank God.

The Chicago Cubs’ Yu Darvish stepped off the mound and looked into the home dugout. Trainer P.J. Mainville went out there. Manager David Ross and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy–back from his COVID-19 scare–drew ire from Darvish. Oh, no. Not again. An Opening Day starter, what now?

A ‘minor fingernail issue.’ Phew. Crisis averted. Darvish threw a pitch–ONE pitch–to Victor Caratini and called it good. He retired Steven Souza on a pop-out, ending a solid outing which he struck out one and surrendered two hits in 3 1/3 innings.

The Cubs’ Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are the two vying for an Opening Day start. It doesn’t matter which one gets it. Jon Lester is out. He’s at the tail end of his deal, and he’s old–so to speak. He takes a lot to get going, so he’s going to be a No. 3 pitcher.

Jose Quintana is a different story.

He injured his thumb–his left-thumb–doing the dishes. He required five stitches and nerve damage, which has been repaired. He’s getting the throwing program in about a week and he’ll see where he stands. He out for an ‘indefinite’ period of time.

But there’s certainly another scenario in which the nerve takes longer to heal and is going to be significantly delayed. We really can’t forecast it. We just have to wait and see and hope for the best.” -Theo Epstein. h/t ESPN News Services

Significantly delayed? What’s that mean? It may mean Quintana might be done for the year. Look, the nerve damage he received was his pitching hand. So what’s that mean? It means by August 31; they need to be on their game. Trades. Free-agent deals. Whatever it takes to make it happen? Do it.

Quintana is down for the count? They’ll need to figure out a No. 4 and No. 5 starter. Alec Mills should be a No. 4. Who’s No. 5? Adbert Alzolay? Colin Rea? A new starter? You’ve got to keep options open.

‘‘We don’t get to see behind the mask much,’’ Ross said, ‘‘but when the mask is down and his smile is out, it’s infectious. He gives us great energy around here.’’

He’s infectious. I’ll give you that. But effective at pitching? I’d instead go with ‘great energy’ and a pitcher.