Cubs get devastating injury update on right-hander Yency Almonte

Injuries have ravaged the Chicago Cubs bullpen from what feels like the first day of the season on, and the latest update on right-hander Yency Almonte doesn't help.

The 30-year-old, who came over along with Michael Busch from the Dodgers last winter, hasn't pitched since early May due to a shoulder strain. After weighing his options, Almonte has decided to go under the knife - ending his 2024 season after just 17 appearances.

There is no timetable for Almonte's return and, depending on the procedure and the severity of the shoulder injury, it's not out of the question that he could miss time in 2025, as well. He'll be one of many interesting roster decisions Jed Hoyer and the Cubs face at season's end. Chicago could bring him back via arbitration for 2025, but he could also be a potential non-tender candidate, as well.

It's a tough blow for Almonte, who changed how he deployed his arsenal in his first season with the Cubs, becoming more of a sinker-first pitcher, who could also mix in several other offerings, including a four-seamer, sweeper, cutter and change-up. Hopefully, the procedure goes well and he can be back in the bullpen mix next spring.

Cubs offer updates on key relievers, including Abdert Alzolay

In other Cubs injury news, the team provided updates on a handful of other pitchers - all of which felt vastly more positive in nature. Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr. are both throwing live BP on Saturday, Javier Assad tossed a pen on Friday and had no issues coming out of it and Ben Brown played catch successfully, as well.

Down in Arizona, displaced Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay through a 30-pitch bullpen and it 'went well', according to Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network. Bullpen injuries pushed this season off the rails in the last two months and, unfortunately, by the time this group gets back to full strength, it could very well prove to be too late to salvage the 2024 campaign that began with such high hopes.