The Chicago Cubs are addressing bullpen challenges by signing former relief pitcher Vinny Nittoli, who had a brief stint with the Oakland Athletics this season. This move mirrors the Cubs' previous successful signing of Tyson Miller amidst roster adjustments. Nittoli's debut with the Cubs seeks to replicate Miller's reliable performance in the bullpen. However, the signing coincides with pitcher Javier Assad's placement on the IL, adding to the Cubs' pitching injury concerns.

By the Numbers
  • Vinny Nittoli made 7 appearances with the Oakland Athletics this season.
  • In those appearances, Nittoli struck out 5 hitters and gave up 2 runs in 8 innings of work.
Yes, But

The Cubs' reliance on bullpen signings and the growing list of pitching injuries raise questions about the team's ability to address fundamental issues beyond individual player acquisitions.

State of Play
  • Key pitchers Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, and Ben Brown are sidelined with injuries, impacting the team's performance.
  • Cubs' starting pitching has been a strength this season, but offensive struggles and pitching injuries threaten the team's competitiveness.
  • Pitcher Yency Almonte's move to the 60-day IL was somewhat expected based on earlier updates on his condition.
What's Next

The Cubs face challenges in balancing pitching stability and offensive support while navigating a season that appears increasingly difficult due to mounting injuries.

Bottom Line

The Chicago Cubs' strategic moves in the bullpen reflect a team grappling with both short-term pitching needs and the broader implications of sustained injuries, potentially impacting their season outlook significantly.