Cubs Face Early Season Challenge with Two Pitchers on DL

The Cubs have lost two of the starting pitchers for a few weeks. That isn't good news. Randy Wells is on the disabled list, as is Andrew Cashner. They are not season-ending injuries; that is good news. The Cubs are in trouble, and that is just plain news.

Carrie Muskat has posted an article on the Chicago Cubs' website titled "Cubs starters Wells, Cashner headed to DL."

Both pitchers have strained arm problems.

A few weeks ago, I did a series of articles on sports injuries. You may read one here. The reason I bring that up is that one of the main points in sports injuries lies in the difference between sprains and strains. Strains overall are much milder than sprains. They are different in that sprains can involve structures such as bones and cartilage. They take longer to heal and often can lead to permanent damage.

Wells has a strain of the right forearm and Cashner has a strain of the shoulder. Both would seem to be a result of conditioning or erroneous use. It would be understandable with Cashner, who is a rookie.

What is the Cubs' expected course of action?

According to Cubs' general manager Jim Hendry, neither pitcher will throw a ball for at least two weeks and then it will be slow "rehab" expected to last overall (including the layoff) about three or four weeks. One good thing is the elbow is not involved.

Who will take their place?

One pitcher you can bank on being called up is Casey Coleman, who is currently pitching for the Cubs' Triple-A Iowa team. Another possibility is James Russell. Russell is working in the bullpen and while using the bullpen isn't always a good thing, sometimes it is the only way.

The Cubs may be second-guessing their decision to let veteran Carlos Silva go completely. However, I still think for the overall good of the team, it was the thing to do.

The Cubs ended the first home stand 3-3. Now they are headed to Milwaukee-a home away from home. Then they go to Houston and the Rockies. These will be nine games that will not only test the resolve of the team, but if they don't rise to the occasion, it will put them in a major hole to start the season.

References:

Yahoo Website, Gary Davis, "Shoulder sprains: A common sports injury"

Chicago Cubs' Website, Carrie Muskat, "Cubs starters Wells, Cashner headed to DL"