Cubs' injury conspiracy theorists validated with latest prospect injury

By the time Justin Steele pitches for the Chicago Cubs again, it will have been nearly a year-and-a-half since his last start (assuming he does, indeed, pitch in 2026). Cade Horton is done for the year and, hopefully, will pitch for the team at some point next year.

Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have all spent time on the injured list this year, not to mention a revolving door of relievers who've hit the shelf. Throw in the fact that top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was handled carefully last year but continues to throw up red flags health-wise and the fanbase has gone to some dark places mentally.

A significant contingent is calling for an organizational overhaul to how pitchers are developed and injuries are managed. And, really, given the sheer volume of arm injuries the Cubs have had this year, I can't say I blame anyone in that school of thought. The latest pitching injury, though, is sure to add fuel to the fire.

Dominick Reid injury is a brutal look for the entire Cubs organization

Dominick Reid, the Cubs' #15 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, left his last start with an apparent arm injury. That, in and of itself, isn't great - but how it went down is inexcusable. After firing a pitch that went well wide of the zone, he walked around the mound shaking his elbow and looking like he knew something wasn't right.

But NOBODY came out of the dugout to see how he was feeling. He threw another pitch and, finally, Pelicans manager Yovanny Cuevas and the trainer came out of the dugout to check on the right-hander. He then promptly departed after just 1 1/3 innings of work - and now, we wait to get the official diagnosis.

“I would say that Dom Reid is probably a guy that could surprise some people,” Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz told Marquee Sports Network last summer. “You watch his college outings and the changeup he’s got … There were times where you felt like he could just throw it four, five times in a row to some pretty good-quality college hitters.”

I don't need to tell you that the Cubs need some young arms to start taking that next step and the organization is really high on was Reid could be. The 2025 third-round pick hasn't delivered on the results in his first dozen professional starts, but right now, the obvious health concern is the bigger worry. If it turns out to be something serious, this would be a terrible look for the entire org.

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