Chicago Cubs Place Struggling Ace Marcus Stroman on the Injured List with Hip Problem

The Chicago Cubs, trying to make a late push for the playoffs, have placed struggling All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman on the injured list with a hip problem.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

The Cubs placed Stroman on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right hip inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

ANALYSIS
The transaction is retroactive to Tuesday, so the earliest date Stroman will be eligible for activation is Aug. 16. Stroman wasn't known to be dealing with an injury coming out of his most recent start Monday, but he'll be deactivated after enduring a rough stretch over the past month. In his last seven starts, Stroman has gone 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 28:16 K:BB in 30 innings, taking some luster off of what had been his second All-Star campaign. Hayden Wesneski could be the Cubs' top choice to replace Stroman in the rotation.

Overall this season, Stroman is 10-8 with a 3.85 ERA. He made the All-Star team and also has a difficult decision ahead of him this offseason. He has a $21 million option to return to the Cubs. He could take that option and return or could opt-out and become a free agent. His performance and his health could play a major role in determining what he does.

The Cubs enter play on Wednesday at 54-53 and 4.0 games back in the National League Central. They've won eight of their last 10 games.

The Cubs will take on the Reds on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m. ET as Brandon Williamson (CIN) takes on Drew Smyly (CHC.

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