Key injuries will test Cubs
CHICAGO — The Cubs announced All-Star catcher Willson Contreras will be sidelined for four weeks with a right hamstring strain and placed closer Craig Kimbrel on the 10-day IL on Monday.
The injuries will test the Cubs’ depth and the ingenuity of its front office as it tries to win the NL Central for the third time in four years. While manager Joe Maddon can turn to Steve Cishek and Brandon Kintzler while Kimbrel is out, the catching situation is more perilous and the team can’t trade for help under a new set of rules that began this year.
Contreras pulled up and grabbed the back of his leg as he exited the batter’s box on a flyout Saturday against the Brewers. He had an MRI on Monday that showed a Grade 2 strain.
“I’ve got to be smart with the recovery,” said Contreras, who’s hitting .275 with 19 homers and 57 RBIs. “I’m going to take it slow. I’m not going to rush it at all.”
Contreras experienced a similar injury in 2017 that he said was a little higher on his leg. He missed almost exactly a month two years ago.
Without Contreras, Victor Caratini will get the bulk of the time behind the plate. Taylor Davis also was recalled from Iowa when Contreras went on the IL, and the team likely will look outside for help.
Kimbrel, who got a late start this year after he finalized a $43 million, three-year deal with the Cubs in June, is dealing with inflammation in his right knee.
The IL stint is retroactive to Sunday, and Kimbrel thinks he will be ready when he’s eligible to return.
Kimbrel has nine saves in 14 games.