Alzolay expected to undergo surgery, miss rest of '24
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CHICAGO -- Cubs reliever Adbert Alzolay, who is on the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain, is likely to undergo arm surgery, which would end his 2024 season.
Alzolay is seeking second opinions to determine the exact details of what the procedure will entail, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
“It should be, probably, early next week before we have an answer on that,” Counsell said before Thursday’s series opener against the Cardinals.
Alzolay went on the 15-day IL due to the flexor strain on May 13 before he was transferred to the 60-day on June 2. He made a pair of rehab appearances in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League (July 19 and 23) before a one-inning, 26-pitch appearance with Triple-A Iowa on July 27.
Counsell noted on Monday that Alzolay had not recovered well from his appearance with Iowa, and that the right-hander was heading back to Chicago to be evaluated by the Cubs’ medical staff.
“Obviously, he got to a point where he was feeling good and was pitching, and then through the outings, he just couldn't recover,” Counsell said. “You [know] something's wrong when you're not recovering.”
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Alzolay was limited to six appearances in 2022 after suffering a right lat muscle injury in Spring Training. He came back and had a strong 2023, posting a 2.67 ERA in 58 appearances while going 22-for-25 in save opportunities. He spent 17 days on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain last September before returning on Sept. 29, when he made his final appearance of the season.
The right-hander got off to a tough start this season before going on the IL. In 18 appearances in ‘24, Alzolay is 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA and converted four of his nine save opportunities. He has allowed six home runs in 17 1/3 innings, after allowing five in 64 innings in ‘23.
“I think last year was a pretty good year,” Counsell said. “But obviously, the way this year has played out has been frustrating. And now he's gonna have to get the surgery done and be patient and be diligent with rehab and get back to being healthy.”