yardbarker
Chicago Cubs right-hander Kevin Gausman was forced to leave his Wednesday start against the visiting Miami Marlins after suffering a left shoulder injury during a diving tag attempt in the sixth inning.
Following the game, manager Craig Counsell explained to reporters that Gausman's non-throwing shoulder "got extended weird, and it just grabbed on him a little bit." Gausman himself noted that he had dislocated the same shoulder back in high school.
"I hope I wake up and feel great tomorrow, but you never know," said the 35-year-old Gausman, who added he would take something to "get in front of it tonight." The Cubs acquired Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays last month.
In the sixth, Gausman surrendered a one-out, two-run home run to Kyle Stowers, putting the Marlins ahead 2-0. After Heriberto Hernandez drew a walk, Miami's Griffin Conine hit a grounder to the right of second base. Shortstop Dansby Swanson fielded the ball and threw to first base too late to retire Conine. Hernandez attempted to advance to third, prompting Cubs first baseman Michael Busch to fire a throw to Gausman, who was scrambling to cover the bag. Gausman caught the ball at his feet and lunged to tag out Hernandez, but he winced as he got up.
Counsell then replaced him with Javier Assad, who had been warming up in the bullpen.
The Cubs, who need just one win or an Arizona Diamondbacks loss to clinch a National League wild-card spot, have been dealing with pitching injuries all season, with 10 pitchers making at least eight starts.
Gausman, who is 9-12 with a 4.51 ERA between the Blue Jays and Cubs in 32 starts this season, is 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs.
Key Analysis
Gausman's injury adds to the Cubs' season-long pitching woes as they close in on a playoff berth. The team has relied heavily on its depth, with 10 pitchers making at least eight starts. The severity of Gausman's shoulder issue remains uncertain, but his history of dislocation raises concerns about his availability for the postseason push.
Originally reported by yardbarker.