CHICAGO -- Adbert Alzolay entered this season hoping to build on his breakout showing last year as the Cubs closer. Injuries interfered with his performance and ability to stay on the field, and now he is at risk of missing the 2025 campaign.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Alzolay is set to undergo a reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (Tommy John surgery) on Wednesday, bringing a tough end to an injury-marred season for the reliever. The surgery follows Alzolay’s attempt to rehab and return for the Cubs.
“He certainly made a big effort to come back,” Counsell said, “and put a lot of work into trying to pitch this year. In the end, he tried, and it was not possible to do it. So, he’s got to go get this fixed and go down the rehab route and get strong and ready to pitch again.”
Counsell did not speculate if the upcoming procedure would take Alzolay out of the 2025 picture for the Cubs, noting only that the timetable would be “long” for the right-hander. Tommy John surgery timelines can vary, but in general, pitchers can expect to miss between 12-18 months before a return to game action.
“I’m not going to quote doctors on that yet,” Counsell said. “We’ll let them do the surgery here and figure it out then.”
Alzolay landed on the 15-day injured list on May 13 due to a right forearm strain and was later transferred to the 60-day IL on June 2 as he recovery dragged on. The pitcher went through a throwing progression that led him back to games in the Arizona Complex League (July 19 and 23) and with Triple-A Iowa (July 27).
In the wake of his 26-pitch appearance for Iowa, Alzolay did not recover well, according to Counsell. That led the pitcher and the Cubs to seek multiple opinions on his injury, ultimately resulting in the decision to follow through with Tommy John surgery.
In 18 games for the Cubs this season, the 29-year-old Alzolay logged a 4.67 ERA with four saves in nine chances. He surrendered six homers in 17 1/3 innings after giving up five home runs total in 64 innings in 2023. Alzolay grabbed the closer’s job last year, picking up 22 saves and turning in a 2.67 ERA with 67 strikeouts and 13 walks in 58 outings.
The loss of Alzolay dealt a blow not only to the Cubs’ bullpen this season, but it also removed an emerging leader from the clubhouse as he shifted his rehab process to Arizona. Alzolay, who signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs out of Venezuela prior to the 2013 season, is under contractual control by the ballclub for the next two years.