DENVER – The area of biggest strength for the Cubs took the first hit of the season as reliever Justin Grimm was placed on the disabled list Friday, retroactive to April 2, because of inflammation in his pitching forearm.
“I never put a finish line on a DL stint, but I don’t think it’s too serious from what I’m hearing,” manager Joe Maddon said.
Grimm, who ranked ninth in the National League with a team-leading 73 appearances in his first season as a reliever last year, began feeling discomfort near the end of spring training, Maddon said.
“It’s been a nagging kind of thing,” the manager added. “It’s one of those things where a pitcher thinks I’ll just throw through it and it’ll be OK but just did not seem to wat to resolve itself. So we thought resting would be the best thing.”
The 26-year-old right-hander would be eligible to return from the DL next weekend during the San Diego Padres series at home.
Right-hander Brian Schlitter was recalled from AAA Iowa to take Grimm’s place in the bullpen.
The Cubs bullpen did not allow a run in 6 2/3 innings during the opening series of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals.
