Adbert Alzolay's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Chicago Cubs are likely to designate former closer Adbert Alzolay (elbow) for assignment on Tuesday, according to a source. Alzolay underwent Tommy John surgery in August and won't put again until late 2025, at the earliest. The 29-year-old Venezuelan right-hander had a career-high 22 saves in 2023 and entered the 2024 campaign as the favorite for saves in Chicago, but he certainly didn't have the year the Cubs were hoping for. Before his season-ending elbow injury, Alzolay had a rough 4.67 ERA (7.38 FIP), a 1.44 WHIP, four saves, 13 strikeouts and six walks in 17 1/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen. If another club doesn't claim Alzolay on waivers, there's a chance the Cubs could work out a trade to send him elsewhere. Obviously, Alzolay will be off the fantasy radar in 2025 as he recovers from elbow surgery.

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, according to manager Craig Counsell. There was a good chance we weren't going to see Alzolay again this season, and now it's confirmed. And on top of missing the rest of 2024, the 29-year-old is unlikely to pitch for most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign after having elbow reconstruction. The Venezuelan hurler opened the year as Chicago's closer but only ended up pitching 17 1/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen before going down with his elbow injury. In his 17 1/3 frames, he allowed 13 runs (nine earned) on 19 hits (six homers) while walking six, striking out 13 and securing four saves for the Cubbies. Veteran right-hander Hector Neris has since taken over the closing duties in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) is set to undergo surgery, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell expressed that Alzolay will seek a second opinion to determine the exact specifics of the operation. The 29-year-old has been out of action since May due to a flexor strain. Prior to the injury, Alzola struggled with a 4.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 6:13 BB:K ratio across 17 frames. The right-hander tallied 22 saves in the Northside last season but only four this season before suffering the injury. Currently, Alzola remains without a definite timetable for his return, but after the surgery, it is hard to picture him returning to the mound this summer. Fantasy managers should expect Hector Neris to continue to see the majority of save opportunities in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) struck out each of the three batters he faced in his first rehab outing at the Arizona Complex League on July 19. Alzolay hit the 15-day injured list on May 13 after being diagnosed with a right forearm strain and was eventually moved to the 60-day injured list. The 29-year-old entered the season as the primary ninth-inning option on the Northside but struggled with a 4.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 6:13 BB:K ratio across 17 innings. Alzolay will likely need several rehab appearances before returning as he was sidelined for a significant amount of time and could reclaim a high-leverage role when he returns to the big leagues.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay (forearm) has been cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Friday. Meanwhile, right-hander Julian Merryweather (rib) is planning to make his fourth minor-league rehab appearance on Friday for Triple-A Iowa. If all goes well, manager Craig Counsell said that Merryweather will be activated from the injured list by next weekend "at the latest." Alzolay obviously won't be back as soon as Merryweather, but he's making progress after suffering a right flexor strain in mid-May. Both relievers should return to high-leverage, late-inning bullpen roles in Chicago when they are activated, with Alzolay potentially taking over closing duties from Hector Neris.