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

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.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session at the team's spring training complex in Arizona on Friday. The right-hander continues to work his way back from a forearm strain that has sidelined him since the middle of May. Barring any setbacks, Alzolay could be ready to rejoin the Cubs bullpen before the end of July. He was struggling in the closer role before going down with this injury. It's uncertain if he'll be the primary ninth inning option once he returns.

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Adbert Alzolay (forearm) threw 30 pitches in his bullpen session on Tuesday and checked out well. Meanwhile, reliever Julian Merryweather (ribs) threw 11 pitches in an inning of work in a minor-league rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday night. Both pitchers are making progress but aren't going to be an option to return to Chicago's bullpen until after next week's All-Star break. Alzolay had a career-high 22 saves in 2023 but went 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA, four saves and a 1.44 WHIP in 17 1/3 innings before landing on the injured list with a flexor strain in mid-May. Merryweather made just four appearances for the Cubs before suffering a rib stress fracture. When they return, they could both be options for saves in Chicago, along with veteran Hector Neris.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) has built back up to throwing bullpen sessions, per pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. Alzolay is "progressing well", and he will continue tossing bullpens for the time being before ramping up to facing hitters later in July. On the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain, Alzolay is working toward becoming an option to rejoin Chicago's beleaguered bullpen sometime either in late July or early August following a minor-league rehab assignment that should begin sometime in the next couple of weeks. In 18 appearances this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has an uninspiring 4.67 ERA with 13 strikeouts, six walks, and six homers allowed in 17 1/3 innings and lost his closing job to veteran Hector Neris early in the year. Neris has saved 11 games for the Cubs in 2024, rattling off four consecutive scoreless appearances since June 22.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, manager Craig Counsell said on Wednesday. No surprise here, as Alzolay has gone for a second opinion on his strained right flexor. The Cubs will follow a conservative treatment plan for the 29-year-old right-hander, and while surgery is not off the table, they'll know more after his down time. After posting a poor 4.67 ERA with 13 strikeouts, six walks, and six home runs allowed in 18 games over 17 1/3 innings out of Chicago's bullpen this year and getting removed from the closer's role, Alzolay looks like a drop in shallow fantasy leagues and a weak stash in deeper formats. Hector Neris owns a 2.50 ERA with six saves across 18 frames and is the current favorite for ninth-inning work in the Windy City.