Cubs’ Marcus Stroman Diagnosed With Rib Cartilage Fracture

It’s a concerning injury update for the Cubs while they chase a playoff berth.

Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has been diagnosed with a right rib cartilage fracture, the team announced Wednesday.

Stroman has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 2 due to hip inflammation. When he went on the injured list, the team indicated he’d miss a maximum of one start.

But after throwing a bullpen session on Sunday, Stroman informed the team he felt some discomfort in his ribs, according to The Athletic. The team opted against activating him for Wednesday’s tilt against the crosstown-rival White Sox, and now the 32-year-old is without a timetable for his return to the mound.

This season, Stroman has started 23 games for Chicago, registering a 3.85 ERA with 111 strikeouts across 128 2/3 innings on the mound. He’s in the second year of a three-year, $71 million deal but could hit free agency as early as this upcoming offseason through a player option in his contract. If he opts into the final year of his deal, he’ll earn $21 million in 2024.

As for a replacement for Stroman in Chicago’s starting rotation, manager David Ross indicated veteran left-hander Drew Smyly could fill the vacancy.