Cubs linked to Angels’ 0.84 ERA Cy Young candidate for Justin Steele reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There’s been no shortage of long-term injuries to the rotation of the Chicago Cubs.
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Right-hander Cade Horton is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
Lefty Justin Steele suffered a setback in his elbow rehab and is not expected to return to the mound until after the All-Star break due to a flexor strain.
“The Cubs are in first place in a loaded NL Central, where almost every team is above .500,” FanSided’s Mark Powell wrote Wednesday. “Yet, Chicago’s team ERA is 4.01, a few ticks above where it should be given the talent in their rotation.”
Battling their way past the injuries will be a difficult task for the Cubs, but they also have the trade deadline to make upgrades. Powell suggests they give the Los Angeles Angels a call about Jose Soriano if the AL West club falls out of contention.
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“The addition of Soriano, were Jed Hoyer to pull the trigger, would go a long way in helping the Cubs compete with the likes of the Dodgers and Braves in the National League,” Powell added.
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Soriano has been a revelation for the Angels, enjoying a breakout year for the ages. He leads the Majors with a 0.84 ERA and owns a 0.94 WHIP in seven starts (42.2 IP).
If Chicago can add a pitcher of Soriano’s caliber to the mix, it would help mitigate the loss of Horton and ease Steele’s recovery process.
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