Cubs Injury Updates: Stroman Throws Live BP, Hughes Making Comeback, and More

Marcus Stroman Throws Live BP

All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman has not thrown an inning since his last outing at the end of July thanks to a rib injury that has kept him out of action since. When his injury was first reported, it was assumed that the right-hander was done for the rest of the season. But after whispers of Stroman healing, throwing long-toss sessions, and now live batting practice, Cubs fans may have not seen the last of him in 2023.

Stroman threw a 29-pitch live bullpen session on Thursday, and although it’s a limited workout, the fact that he’s even on a mound right now throwing live is remarkable. Could we see Stroman back in a Cubs uniform before the end of the season? Well let’s look at it this way: if the Cubs didn’t think Stroman had a shot of returning to the mound this year, and he’s practically guaranteed $21 million next season, do you really think they would risk reinjuring the two-time All-Star right now? Probably not.

I’m not saying Stroman will return to the mound this season, but I’m not not saying it either. If the righty is throwing live batting practice right now, there’s a good chance we will see him throwing again this year. And with the Cubs fighting for a playoff spot, a returning Stroman – even if it’s just for a few innings – is a huge boost.

Nick Burdi and Brandon Hughes Throw for Iowa Cubs

Relief pitchers Nick Burdi and Brandon Hughes have been clawing their way back to the Cubs bullpen since landing on the IL earlier this season. Both are currently on the Iowa Cubs roster, and both saw action Wednesday in Iowa’s matchup against the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Although Hughes gave up an earned run and two walks in his inning of work, the left-hander finished with three strikeouts. Burdi appeared in the ninth inning and gave up no runs on one hit and had two strikeouts.

With the limited number of left-handed relief pitchers the Cubs currently have, the addition of Hughes could be an upgrade for David Ross to utilize in specific situations during the final stretch of the season.

Michael Fulmer Throws Off Mound

Michael Fulmer hasn’t seen MLB action since Aug. 24 thanks to a forearm injury that landed him on the 15-day IL. The righty threw off a mound Wednesday and plans to play catch sometime Thursday.

Although his stats may not jump off the page, Fulmer has been a solid relief pitcher for the Cubs this year, especially in critical situations. If the Cubs plan to make it far in October, a healthy Fulmer would be a nice addition to a bullpen that would gladly take his services.