Julian Merryweather Has Rib Stress Fracture in Back, Shut Down 4 Weeks

Julian Merryweather was placed on the 15-day IL over the weekend due to what was initially believed to be just a right shoulder strain. While that may be part of the issue, he has also been diagnosed with a rib stress fracture in his back. He will be shut down for around four weeks and will then begin a throwing program, so his absence could stretch to at least eight weeks.

That’s not good news for the bullpen, so it’s a good thing the Cubs have a number of hard-throwing relievers still waiting in the wings.