Edward Cabrera Heads To Cubs' Bullpen As He Comes Off Injured List

The Chicago Cubs have brought back Edward Cabrera, but his role will be different down the stretch than anticipated when he was acquired in the offseason.

The right-hander was activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday by the Cubs, who placed right-handed reliever Trent Thornton on the 15-day IL with a sprained left ankle.

Cabrera was expected to be a big part of the Cubs' rotation this season, but has battled a couple of injuries this year. The latest one was a blister on his right middle finger, the second time that has sidelined him this year. He also missed time with a strained left hamstring. That has limited him to 15 starts this season. But with the Cubs' bullpen a mess and only two-plus weeks left in the regular season, Cabrera will be put in the bullpen, a role he has filled just twice in 104 career games. He pitched in relief during his rehab assignment.

Cabrera has a 5.21 FIP (5.68 ERA) in 76 innings, with a 9.7% walk rate and 20.4% strikeout rate.

Thornton's move is more precautious even though the timing of a postseason race is bad. Thornton's left foot is the same one he tore his Achilles last year. The earliest he could return is the final game of the regular season. He has posted a 5.21 FIP (3.35 ERA) in 48 appearances and 48⅓ innings with a 8.7% walk rate and 15.8% strikeout rate.