CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman is dealing with persistent pain because of a right rib cartilage fracture.
Stroman said he isn’t sure when he’ll be able to take the mound again.
“I can’t be too active; it’s not like I can do too much right now,” he said during Friday’s 4-3 loss to Kansas City. “I guess the best thing is to kind of let it heal itself.
“I can barely turn right now. Breathing’s tough at some points and I can’t sit for long periods of time. I’m just taking it day by day.”
Stroman was placed on the 15-day IL on Aug. 2 with right hip inflammation. The All-Star right-hander was slated to start Wednesday against the White Sox, but he had some discomfort in the rib area after throwing a bullpen session Sunday in Toronto. He visited a doctor Monday and had an MRI that showed the cartilage fracture.
The Cubs want Stroman to be symptom-free before he resumes baseball activities, and they aren’t sure when he might get to that point - given the unusual injury for a pitcher.
The new injury for Stroman is a blow for the Cubs as they try for the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2020.
Stroman, who can become a free agent after the season, had a 2.28 ERA after his first 16 starts this year. He struggled before his IL stint, going 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA in his last nine starts.
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