After only three starts since returning from a two-month stint on the disabled list, the Philadelphia Phillies will shut down Cliff Lee for the remainder of the season because of a flexor pronator strain in his elbow. While the Phillies have some pitching issues, the Cubs look to strengthen theirs.
Lee was placed on the disabled list on May 20 after a start two days earlier because an MRI on his pitching arm revealed an elbow strain. His original diagnosis, a Grade 1/2 elbow strain did not require surgery, but the 35-year-old was out of action for nearly two months before his next major league start on July 21. After getting roughed up in rehab starts, Lee's return to the majors wasn't very promising.
In his first two outings on July 21 and July 26, Lee went 0-1 in 10 2/3 innings of work and gave up 21 hits, nine earned runs, two home runs, three walks, and only struck out seven. In his final start on July 31 before being shut down for the season, Lee was pulled after 2 2/3 innings against the Washington Nationals because of elbow pain. After visiting orthopedist David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York this past Wednesday, he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 flexor pronator strain and will not need surgery to repair the injury.
Lee was subject of trade talks, but his less-than-stellar performances made scouts hesitant in acquiring his $50-plus million salary over the next two seasons and feared he wasn't completely healthy. They were right, as Lee will sit out the remainder of this season before he begins a throwing program in October or November, according to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro.
Speaking of Phillies left-handed pitchers, Cole Hamels was claimed by the Chicago Cubs on waivers yesterday and the two teams have 48 hours to work out a trade. If they can't agree on anything, Hamels will remain in Philadelphia. But the Cubs are still looking to bolster their pitching staff regardless of what happens with Hamels. According to ESPN Insider Keith Law, Chicago has acquired 23-year-old starter Jacob Turner from the Miami Marlins. Turner was designated for assignment on Tuesday by Miami.
Originally acquired in the trade that sent Anibal Sanchez to the Tigers, Turner was viewed as a prized young talent by Miami. In 2012 with the Marlins, Turner pitched 42 2/3 innings with the team and recorded a 3.38 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. His next season as a 22-year-old wasn't too bad despite his 3-8 record. Turner ended the year with a 3.74 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 118 innings pitched. But the Marlins seemingly have had enough after his poor effort in 2014. After missing all of April with an injury, he was moved to the bullpen after nine starts and a6.38 ERA. He returned to the rotation after six weeks, but was sent to the minors after his most recent loss on August 3 to the Cincinnati Reds. He ended his stint with the 2014 Marlins with a 5.97 ERA in 78 1/3 innings.
The Cubs called up prospect Javier Baez this week and may do the same with top prospect Kris Bryant later this season. As they look to acquire Hamels, they hope Turner can be a solid young arm in their lackluster rotation.
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