Cubs' latest spring training injury underscores how fragile pitching depth can be

The Chicago Cubs have suddenly been bitten by the injury bug at spring training. Bench bat Tyler Austin has undergone knee surgery that will have him sidelined for months, and the team is hoping for better news surrounding former first-round pick Jordan Wicks. Craig Counsell told reporters that Wicks' throwing program has been paused after experiencing shoulder inflammation.

The good news is that the initial testing on Wicks' UCL is clear, suggesting that he avoided a serious injury ahead of the 2026 season.

After being used as an up-and-down arm for the Cubs last season, it seemed that the team was hoping that a tweak to his delivery and altered pitch grips could lead to him having an expanded role on the major league roster in 2026. Even with his offseason work, it was unlikely that Wicks was going to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but given his experience, the former first-round pick was valuable pitching depth for the Cubs to have in the organization.

Jordan Wicks' injury is a reminder that the Cubs are always looking for pitching depth

Before the start of spring training, the Cubs were among the teams connected to former National League Cy Young candidate Zac Gallen.

Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga give the Cubs a formidable rotation to open the season. That doesn't include Justin Steele, who is expected to return before the All-Star break, and Colin Rea, who will likely open the season in the bullpen. Javier Assad is also healthy after missing most of the 2025 season. Gallen would have been a nice addition, but it's not like the Cubs were desperate for depth at the time that he chose to return to the Diamondbacks.

That being said, the Wicks' injury is a reminder of how quickly that can change. Not to mention, Boyd, Taillon, and Assad are all pitching in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Horton and Cabrera also had injury scares in 2025, and could open the season on some form of an innings limit.

If nothing else, the injury to Wicks likely will serve as a reminder for Jed Hoyer and Co. to continue with their endless search of pitching depth. If the Cubs do make another move of consequence before Opening Day, it likely will be on the pitching side of the roster.