Cubs Pitchers Enter 'DL Buddy List,' Should Return Soon

COMMENTARY | The Chicago Cubs are 8-8. They have achieved that record without two of their five starting pitchers: Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells, both of whom incurred strains. Cashner's strain was in the rotator cuff while Wells' was of the right forearm. The Cubs' current record says that so far at least the team has managed to remain competitive. What does the future look like?

Carrie Muskat has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Cashner, Wells to start throwing Friday."

When I joined the Army in 1970 (after being drafted), I went in with a friend. It was called the "Buddy System." It guaranteed you could go through your training with a friend and was designed to help you make the transition from civilian life. Of course, my "buddy" got pneumonia and was held back, so I had to move forward alone anyway, but that's just another one of a litany of incidents in my life that made me older quicker.

If there is such a thing as a "Baseball Injury Buddy System," Wells and Cashner took advantage of it. They went on the disabled list together April 6. Also, they are both being given the green light to throw the ball this Friday, although Wells has already "played catch."

Finally, both pitchers will be re-evaluated April 27, which signals the end of the current home stand. During that time, the Cubs will continue to look to Casey Coleman and James Russell to fill their shoes (or cleats).

The bottom line for the Cubs is they could have a much worse record than 8-8, considering their early-season challenges.

In additional news, Roger Schlueter shares some interesting information in his article "Stat Speak: 1-0 wins in extras rare for Cubs."

Did you know that the last extra-inning game the Cubs won by the score of 1-0 was back on May 31, 2003? They won the game in 16 innings against the Houston Astros and the pitcher was none other than the same pitcher on duty Monday: Carlos Zambrano.

Also, 2010 had 62 1-0 games. That was the most in the Majors since 1998, when the league was "expanded to 30 teams."

This should help you the next time you want to impress your sports pals.

References:

MLB.com Website, Roger Schlueter, "Stat Speak: 1-0 wins in extras rare for Cubs"

MLB.com Website, Carrie Muskat, "Cashner, Wells to start throwing Friday"