There could be reinforcements for the Cubs pitching staff on the horizon.

But Yency Almonte likely won’t be one of them.

The righty reliever had a second opinion on his right shoulder strain and “didn’t get great news in terms of continuing the throwing,” manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday.

“So, he’s right now just thinking about what to do here,” Counsell said. “It’s strengthen or consider surgical option.”

Counsell didn’t provide a timeline on a return, but in being shut down from throwing in early July, it figures to be a lengthy recovery for Almonte.

Almonte, 30, originally suffered the injury at the beginning of May, right as he was developing into one of Counsell’s trusted relievers. After allowing 4 earned runs in 2 innings across his first 4 outings, Almonte had a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings across 13 appearances with a .089 batting average against.

As he was ramping up in his recovery in June, Almonte threw a live bullpen session in South Bend but didn’t recover well enough to progress to a rehab assignment. The Cubs tried slowing down his recovery — throwing bullpen sessions in controlled environments — but the injury persisted.

The second opinion revealed a tough break for Almonte and the Cubs.

“He’s gonna have to stop throwing and take some more rest and then make a decision as to what’s next,” Counsell said.

The righty is under club control for one more season.