Cubs Pitcher Punches Promotion to Injured List
Cubs pitcher Colten Brewer punched a wall in frustration at Wrigley Field on July 6, breaking his non-pitching hand and earning a spot on the 60-day injured list quicker than his fastball.
After allowing three runs in just 2/3 of an inning, Cubs pitcher Colten Brewer let his frustration get the better of him, resulting in a self-inflicted injury that sidelined him for 60 days. Known for his struggles this season, Brewer's 5.66 ERA and 1.60 WHIP suggest that his disappointment was as understandable as it was poorly directed. In his absence, Hunter Bigge has been called up to try his hand (hopefully not against any walls) at improving the Cubs' bullpen.
The incident took place during a game against the Los Angeles Angels, a matchup that already had its share of tense moments before Brewer's ill-fated decision. Brewer's frustration peaked after he allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in just 2/3 of an inning during his relief appearance. Perhaps he punched the wall as a way of telling it to pick up some slack too.
Following the game, Brewer’s frustration boiled over, and he found himself in a physical altercation with the nearest wall. Unfortunately, the wall won. Brewer’s left hand, which thankfully doesn’t play a role in his pitching, took the brunt of the impact and was confirmed broken by both The Athletic and Marquee Sports Network.
Brewer's record this season isn't exactly awe-inspiring. He has a 5.66 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP over 20 2/3 innings across 16 appearances. His performance roster also includes walking nine hitters and allowing 13 earned runs. Brewer's struggles have been chronic, making it look like he's pitching to ghosts instead of batters.
To fill the sudden gap in their bullpen, the Cubs called upon Hunter Bigge. Bigge has been given the unenviable task of stepping into Brewer’s shoes—though it’s certain that Bigge won't be testing the structural integrity of any stadium walls in the near future. Cubs management is hopeful that Bigge’s arm, not any impromptu boxing skills, will benefit the team.
Brewer's previous stint with the Yankees also didn’t do much to bolster his confidence. Last season, he played three games with the New York team, allowing four runs over 8 1/3 innings. It's almost like the baseball gods have a running tab on Brewer, and they decided to keep him in their debt for a bit longer. This backstory only adds to the narrative of Brewer's ongoing struggle to find his form on the mound.
As Brewer embarks on his 60-day stint on the injured list — the result of a rather regrettable sparring session with a wall — fans and teammates alike are left pondering the mental strain that the sport demands. The pressure of professional baseball can be tremendous, especially when one’s performance falls below expectations. It's a reminder that sometimes, the battles players face off the field can be as challenging as those on it.
In the meantime, the Cubs will have to strategize their way through this injury hiccup. Crucially, they'll look to re-stabilize their bullpen performance and mitigate any further frustrations—emotional or structural. As for Brewer, this unfortunate event may serve as a sobering lesson in patience and anger management.