Cubs lose Luke Little for the season, leaving a major void in the bullpen

After settling into a key role in the Chicago Cubs bullpen, left-hander Luke Little's season has been cut short by a left lat/shoulder injury, dealing a tough blow to an already-depleted pitching staff.

Little, 23, was selected in the fourth round of the abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft and debuted last year. This season marked his largest body of work at the big league level: 30 appearances, in which he worked to a 3.81 ERA and 1.269 WHIP. He had been lights-out leading up to the injury, posting a 1.59 ERA in his final 20 appearances.

“I think Luke had gotten to a point where there was a real role for him on this team,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told MLB.com. “I think there was development that happened this year and I think he was really trending in a good direction. Unfortunately, that’s probably going to have to stop now and wait until next year.”

Cubs' already shaky left-handed depth takes a big hit with injury

The loss of Little is a tough blow for the first-year Chicago skipper, who now has just one left-handed option in his bullpen in Drew Smyly. Playing the left and right-handed matchups isn't as critical as it was in the past, but having at least a couple southpaws out there certainly doesn't hurt matters.

Smyly has been mentioned in recent trade rumors - but it's worth wondering if this injury changes how the team views his role. Not having any lefties in the pen doesn't seem ideal, especially when you're trying to climb a hill as steep as the one facing the Cubs. The only other left-handers on the active roster? Starting pitchers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele.

Right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. carries reverse splits, which gives Counsell someone capable of neutralizing lefties. Still, if Chicago winds up buying ahead of the July 30 deadline, left-handed relief help seems like a safe bet to be on Jed Hoyer's shopping list.