The injury bug struck the Cubs clubhouse late in the 2021 season, robbing another young player from an opportunity to showcase himself down the stretch.

Alfonso Rivas was placed on the injured list just before Tuesday night’s game against the Twins, joining young outfielder Michael Hermosillo and reliever Manny Rodríguez among players who will end the year on the shelf.

Rivas is dealing with a tendon injury in the middle finger of his right hand, an issue that popped up last weekend in Milwaukee. The Cubs recalled outfielder Nick Martini from Triple-A Iowa for Tuesday’s game and effectively ended Rivas’ season.

“He had a little something pop up in Milwaukee,” David Ross said. “We got it looked at today — the doc came in and kinda diagnosed it with something a little more serious than we thought and it was gonna require him going on the IL, so we made some last-minute adjustments.

“Hate that for him. I was really enjoying watching him play, getting an opportunity but his season will be done.”

The 25-year-old was promoted to the big leagues in late August for the first time in his career. In 18 games since, he has hit .318 with a .388 on-base percentage and .797 OPS while playing first base, left field and right field.

The Cubs acquired the left-handed Rivas in January 2020 from Oakland in exchange for utility man Tony Kemp and all the youngster has done is impress the organization.

After spending time around the big-league club over the last two spring trainings, Rivas posted a .405 on-base percentage in 58 games with Triple-A Iowa this year prior to his promotion to Chicago.

He figures to be in the mix as the Cubs put together their position player group for 2022 and beyond.

Like Rivas, Hermosillo had an opportunity to carve out a future role for himself down the stretch before a forearm injury had a different idea. He was added to the IL earlier this month.

The Cubs opted to shut down Rodríguez last weekend in Milwaukee as the rookie deals with right shoulder inflammation.