Young ace Marcus Stroman had to pull out of his start against the Cardinals this morning in London after just 3 1/3 innings due to a blister on his right index finger. Fortunately, as noted by Meghan Montemurro from the Chicago TribuneThe injury is currently considered not particularly serious. Speaking to reporters after the game, Stroman pointed out that this isn’t the first time in his career he’s struggled with blisters, likely referring to his trip to Illinois in 2018 with a blister on his right middle finger . That tenure ultimately lasted two weeks but Stroman says he is optimistic he can make his next start, likely scheduled for next weekend’s series against the Guardians.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of Stroman in keeping the Cubs alive this season. After today’s loss to the Cardinals in London, the North Siders are 37-39, just three games behind the Reds for the division title in the struggling NL Central. The fact that the club remain within striking distance in the division can largely be attributed to the performance of Stroman, who today led the NL with a 2.28 ERA while leading the majors with a 196 ERA+.
Stroman’s dominant performance so far this season made it seem natural for him to turn down a $21 million player option after the 2023 season and test the open market. Nonetheless, he has been vocal about his desire to stay in Chicago, although the lack of talks about an extension has sparked trade speculation. Whether the Cubs eventually drop out of the competition when the calendar shifts to July and swap rumors mount, or the club solidifies as a contender who will continue to rely on their best pitcher, the club are certainly hoping for a speedy return the mound for the experienced right-hander. Should Stroman miss time, the Cubs will likely rely on the services of a young player Hayden Wesneski in his place.
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- Speaking of experienced right-handers who could attract interest from clubs ahead of the August 1 trading deadline White socks might be welcome Mike Clevinger Return to active roster before All-Star break. Manager Pedro Grifol told reporters including MLB.com’s Scott Merkinthat a return before the Midsummer Classic is possible but he will not be returning in a backup role and will wait until he is fit for rotation length assignments again. Clevinger has provided solid if uninspiring consistency as bottom mate for the South team this season, posting a 3.88 ERA and 4.88 FIP in 62 2/3 innings. A return before the All-Star break could give potential suitors additional confidence in Clevinger’s health ahead of the trade deadline, when the 34-45 White Sox are likely to be selling rental properties.
- Staying with the White Sox, a hurler that Grifol claims will definitely not return until the All-Star break is closer Liam Hendricks, who is standing on the shelf with an infection in his right elbow. While Hendriks was initially optimistic he could return in a couple of weeks, citing a similar injury last season that cost him three weeks, Grifol’s updated schedule would see the right-hander out of action for over a month. Hendriks has only gone five innings this season between his current IL stint and his recovery from a bout with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. With Hendriks on the shelf, Kendall Graveman has filled in as a closer for the White Sox this season.