Cubs hit with another injury as rookie lefty's momentum suddenly gets crushed

Phil Maton's return to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen can't come soon enough. Maton is expected to be off the IL within the coming days. Still, Craig Counsell and Co. are dealing with another injury to their relief core as rookie left-handed Riley Martin has landed on the IL with left elbow inflammation.

During the Cubs' extra-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, Martin appeared to suffer an injury scare. He was checked on by the Cubs' training staff, but the early belief was that it was just his twitchy nature on the mound. However, after he wasn't used in the first two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend, it was clear that something was off.

Cubs can't catch a break from injuries in the bullpen

Martin's injury continues the ominous trend that has followed Cubs' homegrown pitching in recent years. Over the past year, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Porter Hodge have all required UCL surgery. The hope is that Martin's injury is just in the category of the Cubs playing it safe, but it's hard ot give them the benefit of the doubt.

Martin had been an early success story for the Cubs this season. The 28-year-old rookie has an ERA of 2.16 through his first eight appearances on the season, and is striking out over 32% of the hitters he faced. The southpaw was quickly moving toward Craig Counsell's circle of trust.

It was a brief stint with the big-league club, but Vince Velasquez served a purpose, being able to eat up multiple innings during Saturday's loss in LA. Given his past major league experience, it would seem likely that Velasquez gets claimed on waivers, as teams are always in search of capable pitching.

Charlie Barnes was previously used this season as a bulk arm out of the Cubs' bullpen, and it's likely the same length the Cubs are looking to have this time around. Yacksel Ríos' Triple-A numbers this season are uninspiring, but it's a revolving door the Cubs must continue to use while they wait for their pitching staff to get healthy.

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