Cubs' Morrow could miss Opening Day after elbow surgery

The Chicago Cubs could enter 2019 without a major weapon in their bullpen.

Closer Brandon Morrow might not be available for Opening Day after undergoing an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right elbow in early November, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told reporters, including The Athletic's Patrick Mooney, on Thursday.

Chicago is on the lookout for more bullpen help this winter, according to Mooney, even after their relief corps - most of whom are returning next year - finished 2018 with the best regular-season ERA (3.35) in the National League.

The 34-year-old Morrow was stellar for the Cubs in 35 games last season, posting a 1.47 ERA with 22 saves in 30 2/3 innings, but he hasn't appeared in a contest since July 15.

He signed a two-year, $21-million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2018 campaign.