November 24, 2024
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs have non-tendered relief pitcher
Adbert Alzolay, which will send him to free agency. Alzolay opened the 2024 season as the Cubs closer but struggled as he posted a 4.67 ERA and 1.44 WHIP and tallied only four saves while blowing five opportunities. He was then optioned to Triple-A Iowa and eventually had to undergo Tommy John surgery. His recovery process will keep him sidelined through all of the 2025 campaign. As a result, fantasy managers in keeper and dynasty formats do not need to hold the 29-year-old on their roster, as he is at least an entire season away from returning to the mound. In addition, given his unstable production as a closer, he may only find a middle-relief role with a potential suitor in 2026.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Feinsand
November 19, 2024
The Chicago Cubs are likely to designate former closer
Adbert Alzolay (elbow) for assignment on Tuesday, according to a source. Alzolay underwent Tommy John surgery in August and won't put again until late 2025, at the earliest. The 29-year-old Venezuelan right-hander had a career-high 22 saves in 2023 and entered the 2024 campaign as the favorite for saves in Chicago, but he certainly didn't have the year the Cubs were hoping for. Before his season-ending elbow injury, Alzolay had a rough 4.67 ERA (7.38 FIP), a 1.44 WHIP, four saves, 13 strikeouts and six walks in 17 1/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen. If another club doesn't claim Alzolay on waivers, there's a chance the Cubs could work out a trade to send him elsewhere. Obviously, Alzolay will be off the fantasy radar in 2025 as he recovers from elbow surgery.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
August 7, 2024
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever
Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, according to manager Craig Counsell. There was a good chance we weren't going to see Alzolay again this season, and now it's confirmed. And on top of missing the rest of 2024, the 29-year-old is unlikely to pitch for most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign after having elbow reconstruction. The Venezuelan hurler opened the year as Chicago's closer but only ended up pitching 17 1/3 innings over 18 appearances out of the bullpen before going down with his elbow injury. In his 17 1/3 frames, he allowed 13 runs (nine earned) on 19 hits (six homers) while walking six, striking out 13 and securing four saves for the Cubbies. Veteran right-hander
Hector Neris has since taken over the closing duties in Chicago.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chicago Sun-Times - Maddie Lee
August 1, 2024
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Adbert Alzolay (forearm) is set to undergo surgery, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell expressed that Alzolay will seek a second opinion to determine the exact specifics of the operation. The 29-year-old has been out of action since May due to a flexor strain. Prior to the injury, Alzola struggled with a 4.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 6:13 BB:K ratio across 17 frames. The right-hander tallied 22 saves in the Northside last season but only four this season before suffering the injury. Currently, Alzola remains without a definite timetable for his return, but after the surgery, it is hard to picture him returning to the mound this summer. Fantasy managers should expect
Hector Neris to continue to see the majority of save opportunities in Chicago.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Tim Stebbins
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