The Cubs couldn’t survive one day without late-inning drama after putting their closer on the injured list Monday because of a sore right knee.
In fact, it only got worse when the pitcher who finally put an end to the Athletics’ eighth-inning rally Monday night walked off the mound in pain -- before two more pitchers were needed to finish off the Cubs’ 6-5 victory in the series opener.
Brandon Kintzler, a former All-Star closer and the bullpen’s steadiest performer from the start this season, felt “discomfort” in the pectoral area near the front of his right shoulder, the team said after the game.