Marcus Stroman’s resurgence with Chicago Cubs delayed

Marcus Stroman was a message. The Chicago Cubs had stated all along that they were planning to reload, not rebuild, and that they wanted to contend in 2022. Inking Stroman to a three year deal was a step in that direction, proving that those sentiments were more than just words.

The 2022 season has not started off as either Stroman nor the Cubs would have hoped, although he had started to turn his season around. Unfortunately, that progress has been paused as he has been placed on the Injured List.

Chicago Cubs to lose Marcus Stroman for undetermined time

As the Cubs did not use a specific designation, it is assumed that he is landing on the IL due to a COVID related situation. If this is just a matter of his being a close contact, he could be back in time to make the start on Tuesday. Otherwise, he would likely miss a minimum of ten days, unless a special exception is made due to passing certain criteria.

Stroman’s overall numbers to begin the 2022 campaign certainly do not impress. He has posted a 5.13 ERA in his 26.1 innings, albeit with a solid 1.177 WHiP and 22 strikeouts. Most of the damage has been due to a career worst 1.4 HR/9 rate, but it is still very early in the season.

It is possible that his slow start was caused by the abbreviated spring training due to the lockout. Stroman had been the pitcher the Cubs expected over his previous two starts before being sidelined, allowing three runs, two earned, on eight hits and a walk over his 13 innings, while striking out eight batters. That is a lot closer to what both Stroman and the Cubs wanted.

The Cubs also cannot afford to lose Stroman for an extended time. While reinforcements are coming in Wade Miley and Alec Mills, they will need their ace back as soon as possible if they are going to break out of their 9-17 start to the season.

Marcus Stroman has been placed on the Injured List presumably due to COVID. The Chicago Cubs cannot afford to lose him for a lengthy period.