Goodwin strains right groin, to be re-evaluated Thursday
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
Todd Wellemeyer has a strained right shoulder and could undergo an MRI on Thursday. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty)
HOUSTON -- The Chicago Cubs are expected to put another pitcher on the disabled list Thursday -- and they have another player who could join him, which would give them nine on the DL at the same time.
Reliever Todd Wellemeyer flew back to Chicago on Wednesday to be re-evaluated Thursday by team physician Dr. Stephen Gryzlo. Wellemeyer threw two shutout innings last Friday against St. Louis but has been unable to pitch since then. He has a strained right shoulder and could undergo an MRI on Thursday.
"Structurally, he seems pretty sound," Cubs trainer Dave Groeschner said, "but he's been sore for the last few days. He's thrown but he doesn't feel right. We want to make sure he's checked and we're not missing anything. We'll know more (Thursday)."
"I was hoping it was something that would go away," Wellemeyer said.
Tom Goodwin / CF
Born: 07/27/68
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 195 lbs
Bats: L / Throws: R
Outfielder Tom Goodwin also is slowed with a right groin strain, suffered Sunday night. He came to Minute Maid Park early Wednesday to receive treatment and hit, and will be re-evaluated Thursday. However, the Cubs don't want to be short a player heading into Friday's makeup doubleheader against Pittsburgh and could make another roster move.
"Goody's situation right now isn't that good," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said.
"These things are unpredictable," Groeschner said of Goodwin. "They feel good and you try to do activity and they flare up. We're going to watch him."
When it rains, it pours. The Cubs already have seven players on the disabled list.
"It's not funny," Baker said, "but it's very trying."
Among the candidates who the Cubs could call up to take Wellemeyer's spot is left-hander Jimmy Anderson, who is pitching at Triple-A Iowa. However, he is a non-roster player. To complete the procedural move, the Cubs could switch either Mark Grudzielanek or Alex Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.
Todd Wellemeyer / P
Born: 08/30/78
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs
Bats: R / Throws: R
"When you get news like this, you tighten your belt and figure out another way," Baker said. "I'm just glad that we signed some of these extra guys that we signed."
And the Cubs manager is very optimistic.
"In my heart," he said, "we're still going to win this thing because I'm glad we have the guys we have. Slowly but surely we're going to get well.
"Everybody's going to have injuries," Baker said. "Fortunately, or unfortunately -- I like to think fortunately -- we've had ours early."
"Hopefully, it stops with me," Wellemeyer said of the injury trend.
And if you've lost count, the seven currently on the DL include: Gonzalez (wrist), Grudzielanek (Achilles), Kent Mercker (back), Mark Prior (Achilles), Sammy Sosa (back), Kerry Wood (tricep) and Ryan Dempster (elbow).
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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Tom Goodwin / CF
Todd Wellemeyer / P
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