Cubs RHP Prospect Manuel Rodriguez Exits Early with Apparent Arm Injury

The Cubs made 23-year-old pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez a surprise addition to the 40-man roster back in November on the strength of his big right arm. He’s gotten a chance to showcase his high-90’s stuff so far in spring training, including an outing Sunday afternoon that was cut short after just nine pitches.

Rodriguez sailed a fastball and then paced around the mound, alerting Willson Contreras to an issue and spurring trainer Nick Frangella to jog out to check on him. After a brief discussion and what appeared to be a focus on Rodriguez’s right elbow, both pitcher and trainer walked off the field. The righty didn’t appear to be in an obvious state of pain, so let’s just hope this is nothing more than a precautionary move.

Anything involving the elbow or arm in general is cause for concern, but this is not the time to push anything at all. As soon as a pitcher feels a tweak, just get him out of there and make absolutely certain nothing is amiss. More on this as it becomes available.

Update: The Cubs clarified that Rodriguez was experiencing right biceps discomfort and will be evaluated further on Monday. While perhaps not as ominous as forearm discomfort, biceps issues can also be associated with more severe elbow injuries. We should here more on this matter soon.