Thielbar becomes eighth Cubs pitcher to land on IL in April

LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Cubs positioned late-inning reliever Caleb Thielbar on the injured listing due to a pressure in his left hamstring earlier than Friday evening’s sequence opener in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell stated the pressure is “on the mild side,” however Thielbar, who suffered the damage in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 8-7 win over the Philadelphia Philliesis the eighth pitcher the Cubs have positioned on the IL this month.

Earlier this week, the Cubs’ damage woes prompted a query about being restricted to 13 pitchers on the roster. As a part of his reply, Counsell introduced up the benefits the Dodgers get pleasure from by using two-way star Shohei Ohtaniwho can stay in the lineup after popping out of their pitching begins and, of most relevance to the Cubs, permits them to basically carry an additional pitcher in what’s often called “The Ohtani Rule.”

On Monday, Counsell referred to as it “the most bizarre rule.” Five days later, when requested if he believes it gives an unfair benefit, Counsell stated: “Look, this is not a Dodgers thing. It’s not an Ohtani thing. It is a bad rule.”

Counsell clearly wished to transfer on when requested a follow-up about which side of the rule he disagrees with most.

“That’s it,” he stated. “I mean, you guys figure it out. It’s a good discussion. It’s an interesting discussion. And I think that it’s worth discussing, too.”

Of the 26 pitchers on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, 10 are on the IL, together with starters Cade Horton and Justin Steele and relievers Daniel Palencia, Phil Maton and Shelby Miller. Thielbar, who had a 2.64 ERA in 67 appearances final 12 months and a 3.12 ERA in 11 appearances this 12 months, was added to that listing, prompting right-hander Vince Velasquez to come up from Triple-A and substitute him on the roster.

The Cubs additionally chosen the contract of infielder Nicky Lopez and designated Scott Kingery for Friday task.

The Dodgers get pleasure from a bit of added cushion as a result of Ohtani doesn’t rely in opposition to their allotment of 13 pitchers, permitting him to principally rehab in the key leagues whereas getting back from elbow surgical procedure final summer time.

“I’ve never understood it,” Counsell stated Monday of groups being restricted to 13 pitchers. “It’s an offensive rule, essentially. It’s a rule to help offense, more than anything, if you ask me. And then there’s one team [the Dodgers] that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and he gets special consideration, which is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.”

Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated Friday that he would not imagine Counsell “meant it maliciously” when addressing Ohtani’s exceptions.

“They’re going through it on the pitching side,” Roberts stated of the Cubs. “This is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei; it’s not a Dodger rule. This was implemented when he was with the Angels.”

The Cubs rallied to earn a 6-4 win over the Dodgers on Friday evening.