Gavin Hollowell injury update just gave Cubs an intriguing new playoff possibility

It's clear what's becoming the biggest storyline for the Chicago Cubs heading into the playoffs. They need to find answers in the bullpen, and beyond that signaling effectiveness from Jacob Webb, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Daniel Palencia, the Cubs may need another option to emerge among the pitchers expected to make their return from injury before October.

You know the names. Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, and Shelby Miller have all started minor-league rehab assignments. Cabrera and Miller certainly appear to be the closest of the three to joining the big-league club. For Miller specifically, he's expected to pitch in back-to-back games for the Iowa Cubs this weekend. Assuming Miller checks that box with not setback, his return should then be considered imminent.

It would also seem likely that within the next week, Javier Assad will return to the Cubs. Assad is eligible to return from Triple-A on Saturday, and for as much as the Cubs wanted to take advantage of his minor-league options, it seems that the decision has backfired, considering the struggles of the bullpen over the past week.

There's also another name that shouldn't be forgotten. Beyond Cabrera and Miller pitching for the Iowa Cubs this weekend, the Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports that Gavin Hollowell is also expected to pitch. Hollowell is currently on the IL with a shoulder injury, and resumed his throwing program at the end of August.

Cubs suddenly have another playoff possibility after encouraging Gavin Hollowell update

The injury came at an unfortunate time for the Cubs and Hollowell. It had seemed that the 28-year-old had started to figure something out. He posted an ERA of 2.51 through 14 appearances, striking out over 21% of the hitters he's faced. His success had him inching closer to Craig Counsell's circle of trust, and then the injury happened.

To be clear, the return of Hollowell shouldn't be viewed as the answer for the bullpen. The answer needs to be among the options they currently have in the bullpen, and in a perfect word, Palencia returns to form.

But, as the Cubs are waiting for that to happen, they need to audition as many of their returning pitcher as possible. Leaving the door open to unsung hero emerging from that group. Ideally, there's more than one. The opportunity will be there.

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