The Chicago Cubs received encouraging news Wednesday regarding right-hander Kevin Gausman after the veteran pitcher departed his start early Tuesday night because of a hand issue.
Gausman exited the game against the Chicago White Sox following a visit from manager Craig Counsell, who checked on the pitcher’s left hand. Team officials opted for caution rather than risk further problems with their recent trade acquisition.
The right-hander later explained the problem centered on his thumb.
“It was just my thumb,” Gausman said. “I kind of couldn’t even put it in my glove there in the fourth before I got some electrolytes in me. … It’s pretty frustrating, to be honest. First start here as a Cub. Obviously, not what I’m trying to do.”
Gausman noted he has experienced similar cramping before, though never this early in a game. The issue forced him from the mound after he had already worked into the fifth inning.Counsell offered a positive update after the contest.
“He’s doing well,” Counsell said. “The cramp was on his glove hand, so that’s why I think he was able to keep going. But it didn’t really let up from the time we went out there in the fourth. … He went out there in the fifth and it just didn’t let up. It’s not necessarily affecting your pitches, but it’s a massive cramp in your hand that he couldn’t do any more with.”
The timing of the setback comes as the Cubs push hard for a postseason berth. Gausman arrived via trade from the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline and has posted a 6.19 ERA across his first three outings in a Chicago uniform.
Before the deal, Gausman compiled a 4.38 ERA over 23 starts with Toronto this season. The Cubs viewed him as a key addition to strengthen their rotation for the stretch run.
Club officials indicated the injury appears minor. They plan to give Gausman whatever recovery time he needs, though early signs suggest he could take his next scheduled turn without interruption.
The Cubs enter the final weeks of the regular season with a 74-53 record. They sit in second place in the National League Central, 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
Chicago also maintains a multi-game cushion in the NL wild-card standings over both the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. That buffer has grown thanks to a strong recent stretch of play.
Organization leaders have made clear that simply reaching October is not the ultimate goal. The roster additions at the trade deadline, including Gausman, were designed to position the club for a deep postseason run and a potential World Series title.
Players and coaches have expressed confidence in the group’s ability to contend for a championship. How the remaining schedule unfolds will determine whether that belief becomes reality.
For now, the focus remains on keeping the rotation healthy and competitive. The latest development with Gausman represents a welcome relief amid the pressure of a tight playoff chase.
