Chicago Cubs' Matt Garza to start throwing in December – MLB News
Chicago Cubs' reported on Sunday, September 30, that starter Matt Garza will not start throwing before December. Matt Garza who was shut-down due to a stress reaction in his right elbow had last pitched on July 21.
Being the veteran starter, he constituted a powerful influence on the rotation. With him being sidelined, the Cubs had to face multiple challenges as Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm were also traded, leading to pressure on the youngsters who had become part of the rotation.
Matt Garza spoke about his future plans as he will not be throwing in the coming two months. He said, "I still have to get my upper body strength back. I haven't thrown a ball. It's been a pain not to do it. I ordered a left-handed glove so I wouldn't do it, so I could go shag [fly balls]."
Garza is least bothered with the status of the contract as all his focus is upon readying himself for the next season. It goes without saying he will be instrumental in the Cubs’ endeavour next year by making a strong combination with the youngsters.
Already with over 60 days in the disabled list, Garza thinks he might not remain in the team if it had occurred the past year. Credit goes to the team manager Dale Sveum who has been helping Garza deal with it.
"He's more open, more sociable with us," Garza said. "He treats us like players. It's not like, 'This is you, this is you' -- he gives you the opportunity to fail. The way he's handled the situation we're in right now, it's tough. It's tough for him to keep it the same way each day, that's huge."
The past season saw the Cubs having a 71-91 record. This year, the Cubs have lost 99 games, trying to avoid the 100-loss mark. However, unlike the past season, there is hope and optimism for a possibly better season next year.
Matt Garza, on the other hand, appeared in 18 games this season, having a 3.91 ERA with 5-7 record as he pitched a total of 103.2 innings with 96 strike-outs to his credit.
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