Cubs' corresponding moves to Edward Cabrera injury show they're running out of arms

Ahead of their doubleheader against the New York Mets on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs have placed Edward Cabrera on the IL. The expectation from the Cubs is that they will be without Cabrera for a significant amount of time, and the IL move was confirmed by Craig Counsell on Tuesday night.

Cabrera is undergoing further imaging today to confirm the severity of his hamstring/adductor strain. The results will likely be in by the end of the week, but in the meantime, the Cubs are adding more arms to the bullpen.

The Cubs have recalled Vince Velasquez from Triple-A Iowa as the corresponding roster move for Cabrera's injury. Tyler Ferguson will serve as the 27th man for the two games against the Mets on Wednesday.

The Cubs' current pitching depth is unsustainable

The Cubs' pitching staff has been a revolving door this season, and this Velasquez's second stint with the team. Considering Matthew Boyd is set to return on Thursday, there's as strong chance that Velasquez will have another brief run with Cubs. He had a scoreless appearance for the Cubs earlier this season. Velasquez is out of minor-league options, so he would need to clear waivers if the Cubs plan on keeping him after he's removed.

As for Ferguson, he should be viewed as nothing more than a bridge for the Cubs on Wednesday. Ferguson was up with the Cubs previously this season, giving up five runs on seven hits in a tick over two innings of work.

While the Cubs would be a playoff team if the season ended today, it's hard to imagine that will be the case at the end of the season without Jed Hoyer and Co. exploring the trade market with urgency. While trades are often limited in magnitude this time of year, there are exceptions.

Buster Posey all but admitted earlier this week that the Giants are ready for trade conversations, and chances are the Boston Red Sox aren't far behind. As the Cubs look for options to fill the multiple vacancies they have across their pitching staff, those are two teams to keep in mind.

It's reached the point where it's become clear the Cubs can't withstand another significant injury to the pitching staff. Cabrera's injury is a crippling blow, but there's hope with the return of Boyd on Thursday and James Taillon by the All-Star break. The Cubs have been waiting to get healthy this entire season, however, and there's been setbacks at every turn. They can't afford another one.

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