Chicago Cubs bullpen takes hit with Codi Heuer injury

The Chicago Cubs have lofty goals for the 2022 season. They have been looking to retool instead of rebuild, eyeing a return to contention just months after dismantling the core of their roster. While they have made several moves to upgrade the roster, the Cubs still have plenty of work to do, particularly with the bullpen.

Rebuilding the bullpen has become a bit more difficult. Cody Heuer, one of the few relievers on the roster with major league experience, underwent Tommy John surgery and has been lost for the 2022 season.

Chicago Cubs bullpen takes major hit

Heuer had struggled with the White Sox in 2021 before turning his season around with the Cubs. He posted a combined 4.28 ERA and a 1.307 WHiP in 67.1 innings between the two Chicago teams, striking out 57 batters with 27 walks. While those numbers were not great, his impressive debut in 2020 gives hope that he can be a solid part of the bullpen.

This also makes a major difference for the Cubs’ ninth inning plans. Heuer may not be a traditional closer, but his excellent slider and changeup give him those wipeout offerings that could make him effective in that role. If he could get his velocity back to 2020 levels, he could have ended up taking over the ninth inning as soon as this season.

Now those plans are on hold. The Cubs will need to not only find a viable option for the ninth inning, but will need to add yet another piece to their relief corps as well. There are still plenty of intriguing options available in free agency, but this would force Chicago to spend more than they may have been prepared to.

This also leaves Heuer in a difficult spot. Due to the lockout, he was unable to train with the Cubs, something that could have contributed to his injury as he was working out on his own. Likewise, he will be unable to access team doctors during the early stage of his recovery, which could slow that process down as well.

The Chicago Cubs bullpen has taken a major hit with the loss of Codi Heuer. The lockout could cause him to miss part of next year as well.