No likelihood of Chicago Cubs' starter Matt Garza’s return this season – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs' president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has dropped a hint that the starter Matt Garza may not return this year; days after he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right elbow.
While there were already a lot of speculations about it, Tuesday’s statement by Epstein reinforces the perception that Garza will take much time for recovery; possibly two to three months – which essentially means there is no likelihood of his return.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Epstein said the team is in not in any hurry to get in back in the lineup.
"There's no need to rush him back," said Theo Epstein. "Let him heal and put him in a position to be 100 percent so he can have a big year next year for the Cubs."
For the club, the news may come as a blow, considering the fact that it was already floating had given an idea to the pitching coach and the management that a replacement was needed sooner than later.
It was this belief that led to the club’s decision to promote Brooks Raley from Triple-A Iowa to the Majors. Raley has already made two starts since his arrival last week. Although he may lack the experience Garza had in his credentials, he is being seen as a potential starter.
Like Theo Epstein, the team manager Dale Sveum also said that Garza’s return is going to be difficult. The assessment, putting all the facts together, seems accurate.
"It'll be kind of tough," Sveum said while talking about the possibility of Garza’s return in the coming days. "Some guys heal quicker than others."
It was on July 21 when Garza pitched last time and had to exit early due to cramping in his right triceps. Then there came a news that he might pitch on August 6, but that did not materialise after the diagnosis with stress reaction.
Sveum said Garza wanted to come back, "In his mind, he wants to come back and pitch.”
With 3.91 ERA in 18 starts, Garza held 5-7 record this season. As Paul Maholm and Ryan Dempster – the club’s veteran pitchers, are gone, Garza’s absence will be felt in the rotation.
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