Can't Really Seem To Stay Optimistic About Brandon Morrow

I’ve mostly been pretty positive through all the major injuries the Cubs have dealt with this year, but for whatever reason Brandon Morrow’s stint on the disabled list since July hasn’t ever felt good. The last two updates obviously don’t help out the optimism, but hey at least Morrow finally threw off a mound again.

While the Cubs were getting rained out in Washington on Sunday, Morrow threw 25 pitches in what was described as a “light bullpen session.”

#Cubs Morrow update: Report from DC is that he threw 25 pitches in light bullpen session

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 9, 2018

Here’s more from Gordon Wittenmyer.

Morrow threw scheduled bullpen today. But 25-pitch session was characterized as more "touch and feel" or "light" than a test of stuff, velocity and health of the bone bruise in his elbow. More to come Monday, but that does not sound like the stuff of October promise.

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) September 9, 2018

So, no, not exactly what you want to see about Morrow’s recovery and really at this point that’s just talking about him being ready for the postseason. Right now that seems to be the only outcome for his return and that certainly isn’t good for the bullpen that seems to be running out of gas a bit.

Carl Edwards Jr. hasn’t been his dominant self lately, walking four batters in 1.1 innings so far in September and overall just not being confident on the mound. Meanwhile, Steve Cishek hasn’t been sharp either as of late either.

Edwards' recent struggles are well-documented, but Cishek has quietly been shaky of late, too. Given up runs in 4 of his last 8 appearances.

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) September 9, 2018

Not exactly the trend you want to see as a Cubs fan heading into the final three weeks of the season and starting a series against the Brewers, while only having a two-game lead in the standings.

I wish I could be more optimistic at the moment, but this is no time for excuse making. The Cubs have Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana going up against the Brewers this week. If they do what they’re supposed to do, then the Cubs should be fine. If not, they have no one else to blame but themselves.

Quickly, back to Morrow.