The Chicago Cubs are preparing as if Brandon Morrow may not return during the regular season.
Morrow has been recovering from a biceps injury that has prevented him from pitching since July 15 — his last appearance for the Cubs. The team was hoping he’d return by mid-September, but given where he currently stands in his rehab, that is unrealistic.
On Wednesday, manager Joe Maddon even said Morrow is running out of time to be able to return by the end of the regular season.
“I think at this point of the year, and he’s been out for a bit and we’re still not on the mound yet,” Maddon said via the Chicago Tribune’s Paul Sullivan. Maddon went on to point out how many remaining steps there are in the rehab process and how the timetable isn’t lining up well for a return.
If Morrow is unable to return in time for the regular season, the question becomes whether the Cubs would take a chance by putting him on the postseason roster should they reach the playoffs. Only they know the answer to that question, but you figure with how well he pitched this season, they’d love to get him healthy at any point.
The 34-year-old has a 1.47 ERA and 22 saves in 35 games this season.
