The Chicago Cubs started spring training full of promise after a posting a 61-101 record in 2012, their worst record for the franchise in nearly 50 years. After only two days of practice, news that Matt Garza couldn’t make it through live batting practice is the last thing the Cubs fans wanted to hear.
Trainer going out to check on Garza. Leaving his first live bp session.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) February 17, 2013
Garza missed most of the second half of last season due to a stress reaction in his right elbow after posting a 5-7 record with a 3.91 ERA, 4.17 FIP and 3.59 xFIP.
The 29-year-old right-hander was subject to trade rumors around the July 31st deadline last year, with the Dodgers and Blue Jays showing interest. The Cubs eventually were forced to hold on to him after X-rays revealed the stress reaction.
The Cubs projected rotation for 2013 consists of Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Scott Feldman and Carlos Villanueva. Scott Baker is expected to be ready for mid-May while Travis Wood would move into the rotation if Garza is forced to miss any time.
