Chicago Cubs reliever Colten Brewer has been placed on the 60-day injured list after fracturing his nonpitching hand by punching a dugout wall out of frustration.
Chicago Cubs reliever Colten Brewer is heading to the injured list after a poor reaction to a bad outing on Saturday.
Brewer was pulled from the game in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels after getting just two outs and allowing three runs on two hits and two walks. As Jorge Lopez came in to replace him on the mound, Brewer walked into the Chicago dugout and decided to punch the wall out of frustration.
Cubs Reliever Colten Brewer Out for 60 Days After Punching Dugout Wall
The Marquee Sports Network reported that Brewer broke his nonpitching hand after punching the dugout wall. He was placed on the 60-day IL with a fractured left hand, and the Cubs selected the contract of Hunter Bigge to take his spot on the roster.
Frustration like this has led to injury in the past. In 2004, Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown had to miss time after punching a wall in the team’s clubhouse, breaking two bones in his nonpitching hand.
Cubs Reliever Colten Brewer Out for 60 Days After Punching Dugout Wall
Emotions can certainly run high no matter what professional sport it can be. And in those moments, we’ve seen coolers and water jugs launched on sidelines and in dugouts.
For baseball specifically, buckets of sunflower seeds and gum usually go flying, too, with baseball bats being used at times to beat up the objects. Trying to channel anger differently is the obvious ideal method in these moments, but if it is to happen, not causing injury is the priority.
Cubs Reliever Colten Brewer Out for 60 Days After Punching Dugout Wall
Now, Brewer will spend time rehabbing an injury that didn’t have to happen in the first place.
Brewer, a 6-foot-4 right-hander who played in three games with the Yankees last season, has had a rough 2024 campaign with the Cubs thus far.
He has a 5.66 ERA over 16 games after this outing, giving up 13 earned runs (16 total) over 20.2 innings pitched.
The Cubs are currently in last place in the NL Central with a record of 37-53.
Brewer's injury is a big blow to the Cubs' already struggling bullpen. The team has a 4.72 ERA this season, which is 25th in the league.
The Cubs will now have to rely on Bigge and other relievers to step up in Brewer's absence. Bigge has a 4.50 ERA in 10 games with the Cubs this season.
The Cubs will open a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night at Wrigley Field.
