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Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff Writer
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs placed setup reliever Mark Leiter Jr. on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter, 33, struggled recently, giving up eight runs over his last four appearances before going down with the injury.
His ailment is significant as he was the team’s best reliever when coming into the game mid-inning. Just three of 20 inherited runners have scored off him this season — though his ERA ballooned with his most recent outings. Overall, he was 2-4 with a 5.34 mark in 32 games.
Leiter’s injury is the latest at the back end of the bullpen for the Cubs, who have struggled to close out games. Opening Day closer Adbert Alzolay is out with a forearm strain, while middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather also are on the injured list.
The Cubs’ bullpen ranks 23rd with a 4.44 ERA heading into Sunday night’s contest against the New York Mets.
The Cubs recalled lefty Luke Little to take Leiter’s place on the roster.