*Ominous music playing*
The Cubs announced Friday evening that stud pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay was being shut down for the season because his recovery from a lat injury would take too long. The strain isn’t severe enough to require surgery, but it’s also not something the organization is going to take any chances with at all.
Alzolay is currently convalescing in Arizona, where he’ll likely remain through the rest of the regular season. If all goes well with his rehab, he could begin a throwing program this fall. It’s an unfortunate development to say the least, as the young righty sits atop the Cubs’ prospect list and was expected to be the first real impact pitcher to come up through the system under the current regime.