The Chicago Cubs face another bullpen game Sunday, with left-hander Jordan Wicks sidelined due to forearm tightness. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski steps in after a solid relief outing against the Astros. Wicks' injury severity remains unclear, but a prolonged absence would hurt the Cubs, already grappling with multiple hurlers on the injured list.
The Cubs' pitching depth is tested as injuries mount. With Wicks out, rotation options thin out, relying on bullpen arms like Wesneski. Veteran Julio Teheran provides additional depth, but the loss of key starters like Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks complicates matters. The Cubs must navigate through injuries to stay competitive in a tough NL Central race.
Injuries across the NL Central add to the Cubs' challenges. Brewers' Jakob Junis avoids serious injury after a frightening incident, while Cardinals' Dylan Carlson inches closer to a return. The division's competitiveness underscores the importance of depth and resilience for teams like the Cubs, navigating through adversity to stay in contention.