Tyler Chatwood ‘Didn’t Feel Good,’ Season and Cubs Tenure May Be Over

David Ross told the media prior to Tuesday’s game with Cleveland that Tyler Chatwood “didn’t feel good” as he recovers from a forearm issue that landed him on the IL. He’s going to remain inactive for the time being and it appears unlikely at this point that he’ll be able to return for the postseason. Barring an unlikely extension or re-signing him as a free agent, the righty’s time with the Cubs is probably over.

David Ross says RHP Tyler Chatwood (forearm) didn't feel good. Ross says he was pushing hard, but he's going to be on the shelf. His season is likely in jeopardy. #Cubs

— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) September 15, 2020

This is a unfortunate and anticlimactic conclusion to a tenure that had really turned around after a disastrous debut season. Chatwood was downright awful in 2018, then bounced back last season as he worked primarily out of the bullpen. Mechanical changes and renewed confidence earned him a spot in the rotation once more, but he was limited to just five starts by back stiffness.

The last three of those were abbreviated by poor performance and the forearm injury, so it’s entirely possible that the last pitch he threw as a Cub was one he spiked before calling for the trainer. It’s really too bad because he started the year off so well and was looking like a potential No. 2A starter. Alas, not all stories have happy endings.