Chicago (AFP) – Brandon Morrow, the ace closing relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, was put on Major League Baseball’s injured list Wednesday after hurting his back while taking off his pants.
The 33-year-old US right-hander, who pitched in all seven games of last year’s World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing with the Cubs last December, said he hurt himself Monday morning at home after returning from a road trip to St. Louis.
“It’s frustrating any time you can’t get out there, especially when you can’t go for something as stupid as taking your pants off,” Morrow said on Tuesday, according to the major league website.
“Getting hurt any time is frustrating. But when it’s not related to throwing a baseball it’s even more frustrating.”
Morrow suffered back tightness after his botched apparel removal and was placed on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to Sunday, making him eligible to return next Wednesday if healthy.
Last season, Morrow went 6-0 with a 2.06 earned-run average and 50 strikeouts for the Dodgers and became only the second pitcher to ever throw in all seven games of a World Series as the Dodgers fell to Houston in the championship showdown.
This season, Morrow has a 1.59 earned-run average with 16 saves in 26 appearances for the Cubs, striking out 25 batters while walking only four.
The Cubs, who ended a North American sports record championship drought by winning the 2016 World Series for their first crown since 1908, are 41-29 and one-half game behind Milwaukee in the fight for the National League Central division lead as the campaign approaches mid-season.
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