Full Breakdown
Edward Cabrera’s Hamstring/Adductor Strain Deepens Cubs’ Rotation Crisis
6/24/2026, 10:32:08 PM
Injury on the Field
On Tuesday night at Citi Field, Edward Cabrera sprinted to cover first base on a two-out grounder by Jared Young. After Nico Hoerner’s throw, Cabrera split to catch the ball, grabbed his left thigh and collapsed. He was helped onto a medical cart and removed. He was diagnosed with a left hamstring/adductor strain. Cabrera threw 99 pitches, left with a 7-2 lead and earned the win, moving to 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA.
Rotation Woes: Injuries Mount
The Cubs entered the game with a 41-37 record and secured a 9-6 victory over the Mets. Four starters were already on the injured list—Matthew Boyd (left meniscus), Jameson Taillon (strained left hamstring), Cade Horton (right forearm strain) and Justin Steele (left elbow). After Cabrera’s exit, only Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, Ben Brown and Javier Assad remained healthy. Steele is unlikely to return as a starter; Boyd is slated to pitch Thursday and Taillon by the All-Star break.
Numbers at a Glance
Cabrera’s line is 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA (some sources list 5.21) over 14 starts, 67.1 innings and 61 strikeouts. Boyd carries a 6.00 ERA, 2.35 FIP and a 31 % strikeout rate.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Craig Counsell said he is concerned, calling the staff a rough spot, and confirmed Cabrera will go on the 15-day IL with imaging scheduled for Wednesday. He added that the team hopes to navigate the rotation puzzle through the All-Star break. Cabrera said his focus was to get the out, called the injury a new sensation and said he stays positive while awaiting the MRI.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts called the loss a “crippling blow,” noting the rotation is in a “dire spot” and that the Cubs are “running out of arms,” threatening playoff hopes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports vary on the diagnosis—most say a left hamstring/adductor strain, one adds both muscles. ERA figures differ (5.21 vs 5.10). Imaging is described as occurring on Wednesday in some accounts and “tomorrow” in others, leaving the exact return timeline uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Concerned. Yeah, I mean, we’re in a rough spot,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “In that moment, all I was thinking about was to get that out,” — Edward Cabrera, pitcher
- “He’s gone through the ringer the last three starts, it seems,” — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs outfielder
- “The only thing that was going through my mind was I can’t leave the game this early,” — Edward Cabrera, pitcher
What’s Next
Cabrera was placed on the 15-day IL; an MRI is scheduled for Wednesday. The Cubs recalled right-hander Vince Velasquez and added Tyler Ferguson as the 27th man for Wednesday’s doubleheader. Boyd is expected to pitch Thursday, and Taillon is projected to return by the All-Star break. The club has also signaled interest in trade discussions with the Giants and Red Sox as it seeks additional rotation depth.
