Cubs: Alec Mills lands back on the Injured List

The Chicago Cubs’ 2022 season is flying by. Though there have been ups and downs this season, the North Siders just won three consecutive series against the Braves, Cardinals and Red Sox. So, life as a Cubs fan doesn’t seem all that bad at this very moment. But, the team has suffered through losing streaks and injuries throughout the season.

While many guys have hit the injured list this season, it seems that Chicago Cubs right-hander Alec Mills can’t stay healthy. Mills was removed from this past Saturday’s victory over the Boston Red Sox with a low back strain. When Mills walked off the field, he had a frustrated look on his face. This is because Mill’s back strain is similar to what he suffered over Spring Training.

Before his departure, Mills faced two batters: Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers. He struck out Duran and gave up a double to Devers. After the double, Mills bent over, and before we knew it, he was taken out of the game. Due to his pesky lower back strain, he was placed on the 15-day Injured List. In a corresponding move to Mills landing on the IL, Cubs called up Michael Rucker to take his roster spot.

Also, following Mills’ departure, right-handed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. came into the game to replace him. Leiter struck out J.D. Martinez and a Xander Bogaerts fly out ended the inning. Chicago still won Saturday’s game 3-1 and took the series from Boston.

Chicago Cubs: No matter what happens, righty Alec Mills cannot stay healthy

2022 is not Mills’ year, especially health-wise. No matter what, he just can’t seem to stay healthy and is no stranger to back injuries. The 30-year-old missed the first two months of the season, suffering from both back and quad injuries. However, he was activated on June 7 and could get back out there for about a month until he fell victim to injuries again.

The Cubs’ starting rotation looks incredibly different than it did on Opening Day. Mills is just one of many starters on the Injured List. Kyle Hendricks left his start on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers after three innings with shoulder soreness. He missed almost two weeks in June with a similar problem.

So, it seems like his issue is not going away. Hendricks was placed on the 15-day IL as well. Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly have had rehab assignments and should return to the North Side shortly. But veteran starter Wade Miley is behind in his throwing progression and has not advanced to bullpen sessions or live batting practice.

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Sure, this rotation wasn’t baseball’s best, to begin with. But, injuries have left what would have been a decent squad in shambles. Only time will tell what comes next for this starting rotation.