The Chicago Cubs once again could not clinch a playoff berth at Wrigley Field, losing 3-2 on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins. However, the bigger story following the game is the uncertain status of right-handed starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, who exited with two outs in the sixth inning.
The veteran pitcher made an incredible play, lunging toward Heriberto Hernández, who was trying to make it to third base after an infield single by Griffin Conine. Michael Busch fired over to Gausman, who alertly raced over toward third as the base was left uncovered by the Cubs infield.
Gausman recorded the out, but unfortunately banged up his left shoulder.
After the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed that something went wrong in Gausman’s left shoulder. For now, the team can only treat the discomfort and see how Gausman feels in a few days.
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Gausman spoke to reporters and said that he had previously dislocated his left shoulder while he played high school baseball. This incident against the Marlins wasn’t the same type of injury, but the pitcher did say he “banged it pretty good.”
Via MLB.com.
“Felt fine until I stood up to check the other runner, and it kind of felt like the left shoulder was pretty weak at that point. It still feels pretty weak, but we’ll just kind of see how it feels tomorrow, get some treatment, and hopefully it’s just a couple-day thing.” -Kevin Gausman
The right-hander struck out seven batters in 5.2 innings. He walked one, allowed six hits, and gave up one costly mistake to Kyle Stowers, who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Still, it was another solid start by Gausman, who has now allowed two or fewer runs in his last three starts at Wrigley Field.
We’ll see how Gausman feels the next few days. If that shoulder doesn’t improve, the Cubs will suddenly have to adjust their postseason pitching plans, which are already in disarray because of Friday’s doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
Matthew Boyd and Clay Holmes would presumably start the first two playoff games for the Cubs. Gausman was lined up to pitch in the Wild Card round, but now that’s up in the air, meaning Shōta Imanaga may ultimately slide back into the rotation for a potential win or go home Game 3 if Gausman is not healthy.
