Cubs announce trio of sadness-inducing roster moves

Tuesday has proven to be a rough day for the Chicago Cubs, as the team has placed three key players on the Injured List.

Things just keep going from bad to worse for the Chicago Cubs in 2021. The team simply hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, and things are only getting tougher following Tuesday’s news out on the injury front.

That’s because the club has announced that pitchers Jake Arrieta (thumb) and Dan Winkler (triceps), plus infielder Nico Hoerner (forearm) have all been placed on the 10-day Injured List. While their injuries aren’t serious, this is the last thing the club needs right now.

Chicago Cubs place three different players on 10-day IL

Hoerner has been a pleasant surprise for Chicago this year, as he’s hitting .389 this season with 14 hits in his 36 at-bats. Meanwhile, Arrieta is a veteran starter who can really spin it, and Winkler is a key arm out of the bullpen.

This latest news from the team only adds to the sting that Chicago is in last place of the NL Central standings with its 12-16 record. Skipper David Ross is staying positive about things, though.

“We’re optimistic about everyone, to be honest with you,” Ross said via ESPN. “I don’t think they are very serious. I think all of them are fairly good news with the off days coming up for us. It gives a chance to maximize the rest time without missing too many games.”

For now, the Cubs will need to move forward and try and put together a winning streak without Hoerner, Arrieta and Winkler available for action. However, and it goes without saying, but the sooner the team can return to full health, the better.