Home / Sports / Cleats Save Cubs Pitcher From Serious Injury
Cleats Save Cubs Pitcher From Serious Injury
22 Jul
Summary
- Pitcher Trent Thornton avoided serious injury after a liner hit his heel.
- His old Mizuno cleats, no longer made, are credited with preventing worse damage.
- Thornton avoided a fracture, diagnosed with a bone bruise, and hopes to avoid IL.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Trent Thornton is fortunate to have avoided a significant injury after a scorching 108.9 mph liner struck his left heel on Monday night. The impact immediately caused Thornton concern due to a past Achilles surgery, but a CT scan and X-ray on Tuesday confirmed he suffered only a bone bruise, with no fractures.
Thornton credits his outdated Mizuno cleats, a pair he's held onto since 2019, for mitigating the severity of the impact. He highlighted the cleat's durable heel construction as a key factor in preventing a more serious outcome. Despite the soreness, Thornton expressed a strong desire to avoid the injured list.
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the possibility of Thornton needing time off, noting the upcoming off-day as a potential benefit. However, he also considered the team's depleted bullpen, which has seen multiple relievers placed on the injured list. This situation underscores Thornton's value to the team, as he has posted a 2.70 ERA in 27 appearances this season.
The Cubs' bullpen depth has been further challenged by injuries to other key relievers. Closer Daniel Palencia is expected to be sidelined until August, and veteran Phil Maton recently received a PRP injection, sidelining him for approximately three weeks. Hoby Milner is nearing a return in early August after surgery.
