Cubs are facing an injury headache that felt inevitable the moment this veteran pitcher arrived

Hunter Harvey has always been a high-leverage relief pitcher who sounds good in theory. A fastball approaching triple digits, the ability to miss bats, Harvey has always had the impression of someone who could thrive as a closer in the majors. The problem is that injuries have defined his career, and his early run with Chicago has done little to change his reputation.

Since making his debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019, Harvey has only eclipsed 40 innings pitched in a season twice. He only made 12 appearances out of the Kansas City Royals' bullpen last season, but because of his profile, the Cubs forked over $6 million in the offseason as part of their bullpen reconstruction.

Considering the injury risk that has followed Harvey, it was an expensive gamble for Jed Hoyer's front office to take. One that they may already be losing. Harvey made four appearances for the Cubs this season before landing on the IL with a triceps injury, and the 31-year-old veteran has suffered a setback that will keep him sidelined indefinitely.

Harvey had a stress reaction in his triceps while resuming his throwing program, and he has been shut down for the next month. Early June is likely when the Cubs will provide another update on Harvey, who may not be back in the bullpen until closer to the All-Star break after he clears the hurdles of bullpen sessions and a minor-league rehab assignment.

Hunter Harvey was an unnecessary gamble for the Cubs

With the Cubs confirming throughout the offseason that they are expecting to enter the luxury tax in 2026, it wasn't a surprise that Hoyer took a gamble in the bullpen. The team already had an established closer in Daniel Palencia, with prior signings of Phil Maton and Hoby Milner. There was room for a leap of faith, but the issue is that Harvey had obvious red flags that were ignored.

Sure, $6 million is the cost of business for a relief pitcher, but it's fair to wonder if the Cubs should have simply upped their offer for a more established option. The front office wanted to bring back Brad Keller, but weren't willing to match the two-year offer from the Philadelphia Phillies. No, Keller hasn't had the exact success with the Phillies this year that he had with the Cubs last year, but he's proven capable of taking the ball when called upon. A box that Harvey won't be able to check for the Cubs for quite some time.

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