The Chicago Cubs today placed their closer Kyuji Fujikawa on the 15-day disabled list due to a muscular strain in his right forearm. The recently appointed finisher replaced Carlos Marmol who’s approval ratings in Chicago are close to that of Kim Jong Un. And they should be that low, since Marmol was about as good at closing games as Nick Nolte is to staying sober.
The Chicago Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Rafael Dolis from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
Dolis has posted no record and a 3.86 ERA in three relief appearances with the Iowa Cubs this season. He has seen action with the Chicago Cubs each of the past two seasons, going 2-4 with four saves and a James Baldwin like 6.18 ERA in 35 MLB relief appearances. And by James Baldwin I mean the former White Sox All-Star who the MLB record for highest career ERA among those who have hurled at least a 1,000 innings. I am not referencing James Baldwin the Harlem Reniassance poet.
Fujikawa, the new fireman has started his Chicago Cubs career 1-0 with two saves and a 12.46 ERA in five appearances. That 12.46 number would be FANTASTIC….if he were pitching in a beer league with a 16″ softball. Fujikawa signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. It includes a vesting/club option for a third season.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on Comcast SportsNet and the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks)