Cubs Bullpen Faces Early Season Challenges: Harvey and Maton Sidelined
CHICAGO – Cubs manager Craig Counsell has emphasized the ever-changing nature of a bullpen, a sentiment proving true early in the 2024 season. While the team aimed to stabilize this crucial area during the offseason, injuries are already testing their depth. The Cubs have experienced a setback with two key relief pitchers, Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton, both landing on the 15-day injured list.
Injury Updates: Harvey and Maton
Right-hander Hunter Harvey, a significant free-agent acquisition intended to bolster the later innings, has been placed on the IL due to right triceps inflammation. This comes on the heels of veteran righty Phil Maton’s placement on the IL with right knee tendinitis on Friday. Counsell stated the team is proactively addressing these issues before they worsen.
“We’re trying to get to stuff before it gets too bad here,” Counsell explained before Sunday’s game against the Pirates. Harvey, signed to a one-year, $6 million contract, was expected to contribute with his high-velocity fastball. However, through four innings this season, he posted a 6.75 ERA with four strikeouts and five hits allowed, including two home runs. Counsell noted Harvey didn’t recover well after his recent appearances in Cleveland and Tampa Bay.
Maton, another key offseason addition, also experienced discomfort, leading to his IL stint. The Cubs are taking a cautious approach, considering Harvey’s injury history, which includes a right teres major strain and a right adductor strain last season with the Royals, as well as back issues in 2024.
Charlie Barnes Called Up to Reinforce the Pen
To fill Harvey’s spot, the Cubs have selected the contract of 30-year-old left-hander Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa. Barnes brings a different dimension to the bullpen, having spent parts of the past four seasons pitching in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for Lotte. He signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs and impressed in spring training and early season appearances with Iowa, posting a 2.38 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six walks in 11 1/3 innings.
“He wasn’t in big league camp,” Counsell said, “but he came over and pitched a bunch of times. Pitched well in Minor League camp. Pitched well to start the season. And he’s available in a length option.”
Bullpen Depth and Returnees
The Cubs’ bullpen additions also include lefty Hoby Milner and righty Jacob Webb, alongside the re-signing of veteran Caleb Thielbar. Righty Porter Hodge, another returnee, is currently on the 15-day IL with a right flexor strain but has resumed playing catch. The Cubs are navigating these early-season challenges, hoping to maintain a competitive bullpen despite the setbacks. You can find more information about the Cubs and MLB at MLB.com.
