Chicago Cubs Finally Get Some Good Injury News

The Chicago Cubs can’t catch a break. 

If things couldn’t get worse for this Cubs team from an injury standpoint, it certainly has. 

Reliever Trent Thornton entered Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers in the top of the 10th inning in hopes of putting up a zero on the mound. Unfortunately, he lasted just four pitches after leaving the contest early. 

Thornton got ahead in the count against Riley Greene before the Tigers slugger smacked a ball 108.9 mph off the bat right toward the Cubs reliever. There was really no time to get out of the way, and that ball clipped Thornton in the back of the heel. 

Everything appeared to be fine with Thornton at first because he immediately charged after the ball to try to get Greene at first base. Although his throw to first was way off the mark, his sprint to the ball was at least a good sign. 

But immediately after the adrenaline wore off, Thornton went to a crouch position, limped to the pitcher’s mound, and stumbled when he made it there. The 32-year-old reliever then left the game with some help from manager Craig Counsell and a trainer. 

Given all the different injuries the Cubs have dealt with this season, every fan immediately thought of the worst-case scenario involving Thornton's injury. He also looked to be in excruciating pain after being hit by the hardest-hit ball of the night. 

However, the Cubs actually got some relatively good news regarding Thornton's heel injury. Counsell said after the loss that the reliever is only dealing with a heel contusion. 

Now, Thornton could still find his way on the injured list since he did have a pretty significant limp after the game. Overall, though, this is possibly the best news that the Cubs could have received about his injury. 

The X-rays on his heel were negative, and there doesn’t appear to be any damage to his surgically repaired Achilles tendon that he tore last season. Cubs fans can certainly take a deep breath because one of their top relievers shouldn’t miss too much time. 

Thornton signed a Minor League deal with the team before spring training. After beginning the season down in the minors, the eight-year veteran has stepped up big-time for the Cubs' bullpen. He has a 2.70 ERA across 30 innings pitched this year. 

The Cubs have no doubt dealt with their fair share of pitcher injuries this season. They have several key relievers currently on the IL and have used a league-leading 33 pitchers in 100 games. 

Luckily, the team finally received some good injury news.