harleyhorse8's Dynasty Blog
Rusin Out 3-4 Weeks with Strained Pectoral
By Arnold Scheffbaum, Tribune Sports Columnist, April 16, 2014
CHICAGO- After a narrow escape earlier this month, the Cubs have got it for real.
Cubs manager Rick Renteria has confirmed that young LHP Chris Rusin will be out for at least three weeks after straining his left pectoral muscle in the victory against the Yankees yesterday.
Renteria had this to say: "You hate to see a guy get hurt this early in the season, especially a pitcher with such promise. All of us at the club, players and managers alike, wish Chris a speedy recovery."
Edwin Jackson, another pitcher on the roster who thought that he had been injured early on, also spoke on the situation. "It's really terrible to see that happen," Jackson said to a press panel earlier today. "Obviously I am 100% and ready to get back in the rotation, but this was not exactly the way I wanted to do it. My condolences go out to Chris. Having been in the same situation a few games ago, I know how bad it is to be hurt only a few weeks into the season."
Of course, the Cubs would need a replacement for Rusin to work out of the bullpen. And so Tsuyoshi Wada, a 33-year old Japanese lefthanded veteran, received a call late last night to pack his bags and make it out to New York.
With four other pitchers already on the DL, the Cubs truly are in desperate need of another starter. We'll see if they can remain healthy for now.
Arnold Scheffbaum has written for the Tribune since 1996. He lives in Forest Park with his wife and children and supports the Cubs.
| Cubs Injury Report- April 15, 2014 | ||
| Pos | Player | Injury Note |
| 2B | Arismendy Alcantara | Bruised hand, day-to-day |
| SP | Chris Rusin (15-day DL) | Strained pectoral, 3-4 weeks |
| SP | Rob Zastryzny (15-day DL) | Back stiffness, 1-2 weeks |
| SP | Tyler Skulina (15-day DL) | Bruised ribs, 1-2 weeks |
| SP | C.J. Edwards (15-day DL) | Shoulder soreness, 2-3 weeks |
| SP | Justin Grimm (15-day DL) | Bruised ribs, 2-3 weeks |