Cubs hurler sent to injured list with rib fracture in bullpen shakeup

Pitching injuries continue to plague the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago sent another pitcher to the injured list on Friday, the 15th time it’s done so this season.

Less than a week after being activated from the paternity list, right-handed reliever Keegan Thompson is headed to the 15-day IL with a right rib fracture, the Cubs announced ahead of their matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Thompson has been excellent since returning from Triple-A Iowa Cubs on June 16, allowing zero earned runs over 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Chicago’s bullpen is running out of options, with Thompson’s rib fracture being the latest problematic development for manager Craig Counsell.

The Cubs have recalled right-hander Ethan Roberts in correspondence to the loss of Thompson.

Roberts, 27, hasn’t pitched in a Major League Baseball game since 2022 (Tommy John surgery), but he has struck out 18 batters across 15 innings in minor league stints during his recovery.

Chicago made further adjustments to its bullpen on Friday by selecting right-hander Jorge López from Triple-A Iowa and designating right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment.

The Cubs are doing everything they can to field a roster capable of making a Wild Card push, but injury after injury has Chicago with its back against the wall.

The 38-44 Cubs will likely be sellers leading up to the deadline unless something miraculous comes to pass.

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