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North Side Baseball

  • MLB Notes

    Read quick notes on the Chicago Cubs big league club, including injuries, lineup changes and roster moves.

    80 rumors in this category

      Matthew Nethercott

      FanSided announced the finalists for the Silver Slugger Awards on Thursday, honoring the top hitters at each position. Three Chicago Cubs, along with the team itself, were named finalists, and all of them have a real shot to win.

      The first is presumed NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong. In 2026, Crow-Armstrong posted a 157 wRC+ with 45 home runs and 107 RBIs. If he’s going to win MVP, he should take home a Silver Slugger too. Remember, the outfield is given just three awards, regardless of position.

      Last offseason, the Cubs shocked the baseball world by bringing Alex Bregman to Chicago. After a slow start, Bregman finished with a 128 wRC+, 28 home runs and 93 RBIs. He caught fire in the second half, ranking among the best third basemen in baseball, and has a solid shot to win.

      Seiya Suzuki, now a free agent, is also a finalist. Suzuki was one of the best hitting outfielders in baseball in 2026, posting a 134 wRC+ with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs. He'll have to overcome some stiff outfield competition which includes Crow-Armstrong, Jackson Chourio, and James Wood.

      The Cubs are also up for the team award after finishing as the top offense in the sport in terms of runs scored. They posted a team 114 wRC+ and a .428 slugging percentage, four points better than any other squad.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With five players from MLB's best fielding team up for NL Gold Gloves, the Chicago Cubs came away with two being honored.

      Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and third baseman Alex Bregman each won their second Gold Glove on Sunday. Left fielder Ian Happ, right fielder Seiya Suzuki and shortstop Dansby Swanson were also up for the top defensive honor at their position. For Happ, his streak of four consecutive Gold Gloves was snapped by Jackson Chourio of the World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers.

      Crow-Armstrong, widely expected to win his first NL MVP award this year, has now won back-to-back Gold Gloves after leading MLB in outs above average with 26. He also led MLB center fielders with 393 putouts, while also committing an MLB-worst six errors for a .985 fielding percentage. Crow-Armstrong ranked sixth among outfielders with 10 defensive runs saved.

      Bregman, who also won in 2024 with the Houston Astros, led NL third basemen with 251 assists and 30 double plays, while committing six errors in 335 chances for a .982 fielding percentage. He is only the second third baseman in club history to win a Gold Glove, joining Ron Santo, who won five straight from 1984-68.

      The Cubs led MLB with a .990 fielding percentage, making just 61 errors. 

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      As expected, the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation took one final hit before free agency begins.

      Right-hander Clay Holmes declined his $12 million player option for 2027 and officially became a free agent. Holmes faced a 4 p.m. CT deadline Monday to make a decision. Also, right-hander Colin Rea and left-hander Caleb Thielbar had their mutual options declined, also making them free agents. Free agency opens across MLB after 4 p.m.

      Holmes was one of the Cubs' big additions at the trade deadline, coming over from the New York Mets along with outfielder Tyrone Taylor for prospect infielder Jefferson Rojas. Holmes was widely expected to be just a rental as his second season as a starter after converting from a relief role had gone pretty well, making him attractive in free agency. The Cubs will be in the mix to retain Holmes' services.

      With the Cubs, Holmes made nine starts, posting a 4.09 FIP (4.25 ERA) over 48⅔ innings. That was worse than what he showed this year with the Mets, also in nine starts before sustaining a fractured left leg on a comebacker. He had a 3.21 FIP (2.39 ERA) over 52⅔ innings. His walk rate and strikeout rate got worse when he came to the Cubs. With the Mets, his walk rate was 8.4% and his strikeout rate was 20.9%, then 11.8% and 16.2% with the Cubs.

      Rea made 19 starts and 15 relief appearances over 137 innings, putting up a 4.80 FIP (4.34 ERA), walking 8% and striking out 17.2% of batters faced.

      In 50 innings this year, Thielbar had 58 outings with a 4.70 FIP (4.86 ERA) to go along with an 8.5% walk rate and 28.3% strikeout rate.

       

      Matthew Nethercott

      According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, starters Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd have both declined their contract option for the 2027 season and will become free agents.

      Boyd signed a two-year deal with a mutual option prior to the 2025 season. With the Cubs in 2026, Boyd posted a 3.91 ERA in 126 2/3 innings of work with an 18.5% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate.

      Holmes came to the Cubs at the trade deadline from the Mets. He was not as successful in Chicago as he was in New York earlier this season, but he was just coming off the injured list after fracturing his fibula on a comebacker. With the Cubs, Holmes posted a 4.25 ERA in 48 2/3 innings of work with a 16.2% strikeout rate and an 11.8% walk rate. 

      With Kevin Gausman and Shota Imanaga also free agents, the Cubs' pitching staff is undergoing a total makeover this winter.

      Maddie Landis

      Earlier today, Rawlings announced the 2026 Gold Glove finalists. The Chicago Cubs were well represented with five players: 

      • CF: Pete Crow Armstrong (previously won in '25)
      • 3B: Alex Bregman (previously won in '24)
      • SS: Dansby Swanson (previously won '22-23)
      • LF: Ian Happ (previously won '22-25 )
      • RF: Seiya Suzuki (first nomination)

      Should we be surprised? Not really. This past season, no team played better defense than the Cubs. Among the plethora of defensive stats, they led the league in FRV (76), OAA (74), and DRS (115). Notably, second baseman Nico Hoerner (9 OAA & FRV each) was excluded, but he had to fill in at shortstop for Dansby Swanson’s oblique injury. 

      The most unexpected nominee was Seiya Suzuki. In his walk season, he upped his defensive game. Among NL right fielders, he ranked first in FRV (8) and DRS (14) and second in OAA (3). Keep in mind, Suzuki played in the same league as Diamondbacks speedster Corbin Carroll and is six years older than him. This is Suzuki's first Gold Glove nomination in the majors. As a member of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, he had previously won five NPB Gold Gloves Awards.

      The winners will be announced on Sunday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

      Steve Drumwright

      The big storm hitting the northeast has caused MLB to make another change to the weekend schedule, this one being the most dramatic.

      After rescheduling Sunday's game to part of a Friday doubleheader, MLB announced after Game 1 of that twinbill that Saturday's final game of the series, pending the completion of Friday's doubleheader, will be played at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. All of the games that day will start at 3:05 p.m.

      While the Red Sox have secured the AL's second wild card and thus the No. 5 seed, the Cubs' position in the postseason is still not clear. After losing the opener Friday 4-3, the Cubs are 1½ games behind the San Diego Padres for the top NL wild card. The Cubs, who already clinched a playoff spot, are also just a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies, who host the Rays in a three-game series. The Padres, who clinched Thursday, are hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks in their final regular-season series. The Phillies lead the D'backs by two games for the final berth in the NL playoff field.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      In a piece of stunning news, Alex Bregman is in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader, just days after sustaining multiple facial fractures that rendered his left eye swollen shut.

      Bregman was struck in the left cheek by a foul ball off the bat of Michael Busch in the fourth inning of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Typically, that injury would take some time before allowing a player to return. But with the Cubs' postseason seeding at stake, Bregman missed only three games before being inserted into the lineup as the designated hitter.

      Meanwhile, right-handed starter Edward Cabrera was placed on the bereavement-family medical emergency leave list. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was activated from the 15-day injured list.

      Cabrera's first season with the Cubs following a high-profile offseason trade is likely over. He posted a 5.96 ERA over 18 games (16 starts) and was shifted to a bullpen role recently with the Cubs still in need of starters.

      Hollowell has a 2.51 ERA over 14⅓ innings and 14 games this year. He had been out since July 31 due to right shoulder inflammation.

      The Cubs enter Friday as the No. 2 NL wild card, one game behind the San Diego Padres and one game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs hold the tiebreaker over both teams.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With the Chicago Cubs still battling for a better seed in the NL wild-card chase and a severe storm hitting New England this weekend, MLB has altered the schedule for the three games being hosted by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

      Sunday's game was moved to Friday, creating a split doubleheader on the first day of the scheduled three-game series. The first game will be played at 1:05 p.m. ET, with the second at the originally scheduled 6:05 p.m. ET. The first game will be the rescheduled game from Sunday for ticketing purposes. Saturday's game will be at 7:15 p.m. ET, although that time could be moved up depending on the forecast.

      While the Red Sox have their postseason invite locked up and are fairly set as the No. 2 wild card (No. 5 overall seed) in the AL, the Cubs could finish anywhere from the No. 1 wild card to the No. 3 entering the final five games of the regular season. The Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres are tied going into Wednesday's action at 87-70. The Cubs hold the tiebreaker over the Phillies and the Padres and the Phillies have the tiebreaker over the Padres.

      There will be no game on Sunday unless one of the games Friday or Saturday are postponed. Sunday is expected to be the worst of the days of the storm. It is also possible that a game will be played Monday if needed. The postseason begins Tuesday with all four Wild Card Series.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

       

       

      Following a month on the sidelines, the Chicago Cubs are getting a key player back for the final nine games of the regular season.

      Shortstop Dansby Swanson was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday by the Cubs, who optioned infielder B.J. Murray back to Triple-A Iowa.

      Swanson went on the IL Aug. 17 with a strained left oblique. While a terrific defender, Swanson has been disappointing this season offensively, putting up a .216/.300/.404 slash line with 18 homers and 66 RBIs. He returns to the Cubs as they are tied for the top NL wild-card spot with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs open a three-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, then finish against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field and then travel to Atlanta for the final three games of the regular season. The Phillies, meanwhile, are in a four-game road series against the New York Mets, then have three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, the probable No. 1 seeds in the NL and AL, respectively.

      The Cubs and the Phillies are also just one game ahead of the San Diego Padres, who hold the No. 3 NL wild card, four games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

      Murray was called up when rosters expanded Sept. 1, but has only played in seven games and gone 1-for-11 (.091) at the plate.

       

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      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.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs are going to be adding a little power to their bench when rosters expand Tuesday.

      Corner infielder B.J. Murray will be called up Tuesday when MLB rosters increase by two spots to 28. Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed the move Monday as Murray took batting practice before the series opener against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Only one of the two extra spots can be filled by a pitcher.

      Murray, who is not among North Side Baseball's Top 20 prospects, had a .294/.395/.500 slash line with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 118 games with Triple-A Iowa this year. Murray hit 20 homers with 89 RBIs in 2025 at Double-A Knoxville as he had a slash line of .242/.363/.418 in 125 games.

      The 26-year-old, a 15th-round draft choice in 2021 out of Florida, played in the World Baseball Classic for Great Britain this spring. He will become the 10th player born in the Bahamas to make his MLB debut.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs are getting their Opening Day closer back at just the right time.

      Right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia was activated from the 60-injured list by the Cubs on Friday. Infielder Gabriel Arias, who was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets, also officially joined the 26-man roster. To make room for both, infielder Owen Miller was designated for assignment and right-hander Javier Assad was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa.

      The Cubs entered play Friday five games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who have the best record in MLB, and lead the NL wild-card standings.

      Palencia made his last appearance June 15 and has been out with a mild flexor strain in his right elbow. He has been in 19 games, with a 3.45 FIP (2.70 ERA) over 16⅔ innings. His walk rate is 8.5% and his strikeout rate is 26.8%. Palencia has converted all three of his save chances. The Cubs rank 22nd in MLB with 29 saves.

      Arias is with his third MLB team this season, having been with the Cleveland Guardians in addition to the Mets before joining the Cubs. He has a .235/.273/.371 slash line with five homers and 11 RBIs in 44 games.

      Miller was just called up a few days ago but only appeared in one game defensively.

      Assad is being optioned for the fourth time this year. He has been a vital piece when in the majors, appearing in 22 games, including 10 starts. In 83⅓ innings, he has a 4.97 FIP (3.46 ERA) with a 6.3% walk rate and 16.6% strikeout rate.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      It was a double dose of bad news for the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

      Shortstop Dansby Swanson was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique, while right-handed starter Edward Cabrera only lasted one game before going back on the 15-day IL with a blister on his right middle finger. Infielder Owen Miller had his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa, with right-hander Javier Assad and outfielder Kevin Alcantara called up from the I-Cubs. Infielder James Triantos was optioned to Iowa, while right-handed closer Daniel Palencia was transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL in a paperwork move to get Miller on the 40-man roster. Palencia has already spent 60 days on the IL.

      Swanson could miss the rest of the regular season with the oblique injury. He sustained the injury during a swing in the third inning of Sunday's 11-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. It is a huge blow to the Cubs. Swanson is a terrific defender and has contributed 18 homers offensively, even if his slash line sits at a disappointing .216/.300/.404.

      Cabrera had come off the IL to start Sunday following a strained left hamstring that had kept him out since June 24. He lasted just 3⅔ innings vs. the Cardinals, allowing seven runs on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts. He had the middle finger bandaged after the game.

      Miller has spent the entire season at Triple-A, putting up a .296/.350/.457 slash line with nine homers and 57 RBIs in 96 games.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The only good thing about injuries is that, eventually, a player returns to good health.

      And so it is with right-hander Edward Cabrera, who was activated off the 15-day injured list and will start Sunday's game for the Chicago Cubs. Right-hander Javier Assad was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa.

      Cabrera, who will face the St. Louis Cardinals in Sunday's series finale, has been out since June 24 with a strained left hamstring, his second stay on the IL this year following a brief blister issue on his right middle finger a month prior. His first year with the Cubs has not gone swimmingly as he has posted a 5.05 FIP (5.10 ERA) with walk and strikeout rates of 9.4% and 21%, respectively. He was a big offseason addition following a trade with the Miami Marlins, but returns in time for the most crucial part of the regular season after making three minor-league rehab starts.

      Assad has been a valuable swingman for the pitching staff, able to start or relieve. While bouncing between the majors and Triple-A, Assad has appeared in 21 games, including 10 starts, and put up a 5.09 FIP (3.59 ERA) with a 6.5% walk rate and 16.5% strikeout rate.

       

      Brock Beauchamp

      How To Install On iPhone or iPad
      How To Install On Android Device

      Developing a pure, native app for either Android or iOS is a breathtakingly expensive endeavor, which is why we haven’t done it, despite so many requests over the years. Thankfully, technology has met us halfway, and PWAs (Progressive Web Applications) have reached maturity in the marketplace.

      What is a PWA? It’s effectively a pseudo-app that works much like a native application but doesn’t require tens of thousands of dollars in development to produce. It creates a single browser instance and maintains it as if it were an application. It’s basically a standalone browser tab, dedicated specifically to North Side Baseball.

      From this app instance, you can receive notifications; the typical browser interface is removed, and the site is presented clearly, using as much screen real estate as possible, all without sacrificing any functionality. The site is faster, more reliable, and offers more mobile functionality than a standard web browser.

      Additionally, a newer, completely updated North Side Baseball is coming later this year, and that will add even more app-like features, making PWA usage even better for all our users.

      With that said, here’s how you turn North Side Baseball into an app on your mobile device.

      How To “Install” North Side Baseball on iPhone or iPad Using Safari

      First, go to the home page of North Side Baseball at https://northsidebaseball.com/.

      1. Tap on the ellipses (…) at bottom right of screen.
      2. Tap “Share” in pop-up menu.

      ios1.jpg

      3. Tap “View More”.
      4. Tap “Add To Home Screen”.
      5. Tap “Add”.

      ios2.jpg

      That takes you to your home screen on iOS, where you can move the North Side Baseball app around, just as you would any other app.

      Additionally, you can turn on notifications for them. Just go to the following link while logged into the site: https://northsidebaseball.com/notifications/options/.

      ios3.jpg

      How To “Install” North Side Baseball on an Android Device Using Chrome

      First, go to the home page of North Side Baseball at https://northsidebaseball.com/.

      1. Tap on the vertical ellipses (…) at top right of screen.
      2. Tap “Share…” in pop-up menu.

      android1.jpg

      3. Tap “Add to Home Screen”.
      4. Tap “Install”.

      android2.jpg

      That takes you to your home screen on Android, where you can move the North Side Baseball app around, just as you would any other app.

      Additionally, you can turn on notifications for the site. Just go to the following link while logged into the site: https://northsidebaseball.com/notifications/options/.

      android3.jpg

      Steve Drumwright

       

      On a team desperate for starting pitching to remain in the postseason hunt, the Chicago Cubs have decided to cut one of their starters.

      Right-hander Jameson Taillon was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Monday. Left-hander Andrew Wantz had his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa. Taillon is making $18 million in 2026, the final season of a four-year, $68 million deal. Unless another team claims him off waivers or he is traded, the Cubs will be on the hook for the prorated portion of that $18 million.

      Taillon has a 6.74 FIP (5.92 ERA) in 15 starts this season, with an 8.3% walk rate and 20.9% strikeout rate. The final straw came in Sunday's 8-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in which Taillon was tagged for seven runs in four innings on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts. He allowed 11 runs over 8⅓ innings in his last two starts.

      The Cubs currently have 12 pitchers on either the 15- or 60-day injured list, including starters Justin Steele, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown.

      Wantz was signed to a minor-league deal June 6 after being designated for assignment and choosing to become a free agent instead of being outrighted to Triple-A. He appeared in one game for the Rays, giving up five runs in 1⅔ innings. After signing with the Cubs and reporting to Iowa, Wantz has appeared in seven games, three starts, with a 4.32 ERA over 25 innings, walking 15 and striking out 26.

      Wantz was originally a seventh-round draft choice by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 out of North Carolina-Greensboro.

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      One step forward and one step back for the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff.

      Right-handed starter Jameson Taillon was activated from the 15-day injured list to start for the Cubs in Monday's opener of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Right-hander Aaron Civale was also formally added to the 26-man roster after being designated for assignment by the A's and traded to the Cubs on Saturday.

      The bad news comes in the form of right-handed reliever Phil Maton going back on the 15-day IL with tendinitis in his right knee. This is his third trip to the IL with the same knee issue. Also, left-hander Drew Pomeranz was designated for assignment.

      Taillon has been out since going on the IL June 9 with a strained left hamstring. He spent the last two weeks on a rehab assignment. The Cubs' rotation has been besieged by injuries, one reason for the addition of Civale, who had a 5.42 ERA in 16 games for the A's. Entering Monday's start, Taillon has 6.31 FIP (5.19 ERA) with an 8% walk rate and 20.6% strikeout rate.

      Maton has been a fairly reliable reliever before this season. In addition to the constant knee ailments, he has posted a 5.49 FIP (6.18 ERA) in 31 games and 27⅔ innings. His walk rate (11.8%) and strikeout rate (22.8%) are way down from last year, when he posted marks of 8.9% and 36.7%.

      Pomeranz was signed to a minor-league contract June 22 after being released by the Los Angeles Angels on June 18. After being called up July 3, Pomeranz had a 9.45 FIP (7.94 ERA) in 5⅔ innings over six appearances.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The dynamic talent of Pete Crow-Armstrong is going back to the All-Star Game.

      The Chicago Cubs' center fielder was voted in as an NL reserve to the July 14 game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Crow-Armstrong also went last year.

      Crow-Armstrong is a highlight machine, whether it is with his range and glove covering gap to gap (with the occasional miscue) or his bat booming home runs. He has a slash line of .287/.374/.526 entering play Saturday with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs. He also has a 5.1 bWAR, which is the best in MLB and near the 5.9 he posted last year.

      The nine starters for each team were determined by two rounds of fan balloting, with Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement getting automatically selected to start by virtue of leading the first round in the NL and AL, respectively.

      The 23 reserves, which includes 12 pitchers as that position is not up for voting, are selected by player voting and the Commissioner's Office, which ensures that each team has a representative in the game.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs are ready to see what the Drew Pomeranz experience in 2026 is like.

      The Cubs on Friday selected the left-hander from Triple-A Iowa and sent left-hander Jordan Wicks to Triple-A Iowa.

      Pomeranz, who pitched for the Cubs last year, was released by the Los Angeles Angels on June 18 and scooped up by the Cubs four days later. With the Angels, Pomeranz had a 6.33 FIP (5.01 ERA) in 23⅓ innings over 25 relief appearances to go along with an 11.1% walk rate and 14.8% strikeout rate, all notably worse than his 2025 numbers with the Cubs. He also gave up five homers with the Angels.

      In 57 games with the Cubs last year, Pomeranz had a 3.36 FIP (2.27 ERA) with a 7.4% walk rate and 28.1% strikeout rate. His career rates are 10% and 24%.

      After beginning the season on the 15-day injured list, Wicks has been with the Cubs twice now, appearing in four games, starting twice and getting saves in the other two. He has pitched 10⅓ innings and posted a 10.45 ERA with two walks and eight strikeouts.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Another day, another pitching injury.

      The Chicago Cubs on Friday placed right-handed reliever Phil Maton on the 15-day injured list with a right knee injury. Left-hander David Peterson, acquired two days ago in a trade with the Mets, was added to the 26-man roster and will make his Cubs debut when he starts Saturday against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

      Maton becomes the 11th Cubs pitcher to currently be on the injured list. He was on the IL in the early stages of the season with tendinitis in his right knee, but was out just a brief time. Acquired at last year's trade deadline and then re-signing with the Cubs as a free agent, Maton has struggled this season. In 30 games and 26⅔ innings, he has a 5.47 FIP (6.08 ERA) with an 11.5% walk rate and 23.8% strikeout rate, both numbers a few percentage points below his career averages (9.2% and 26.5%).

      While the Cubs are desperate for starting pitching, Peterson has also struggled this year, putting up a 3.85 FIP (6.09 ERA) in 16 games, including eight starts. He has a 9.4% walk rate and 19.7% strikeout rate.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After a few days of mainly bad news regarding the health of the starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs made official what everyone had been anticipating: Matthew Boyd is back.

      The Cubs activated the left-hander from the 15-day injured list so he could start Thursday's series finale against the New York Mets. Right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

      Boyd had gone on the injured list May 6 after an incident at home where he was playing with his kids and tore his left meniscus, which was immediately repaired via surgery. That came after he missed a good chunk of April with a strained left biceps.

      Boyd's return comes a couple days after the Cubs placed two starters, Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown, on the 15-day IL. Brown's injury, originally called a neck strain, actually ends up being more serious than first thought, with manager Craig Counsell calling it a stress reaction in his neck and keeping Brown sidelined at least a month. The Cubs also claimed right-hander Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

      That led the Cubs to make a trade with the Mets following their doubleheader Wednesday in which Chicago acquired left-handed starter David Peterson for prospect first baseman Cole Mathis, who is currently injured.

      Hollowell has been Yo-Yo'd recently. Called up June 16, he was sent down Tuesday, called up Wednesday and sent back to Iowa on Thursday. He appeared in a total of three games for 2⅔ innings in that span.

      After the Mets series, the Cubs begin a big three-game series on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      As injuries continue to hit the pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs continue to bring in help from wherever they can find it.

      The Cubs on Wednesday claimed right-hander Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. Right-handed reliever Christian Roa was designated for assignment to make room for Wilson on the 40-man roster. A move regarding the 26-man roster will need to be made once Wilson reports to the Cubs.

      Wilson was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Monday. The Cubs are approaching desperation mode after two more starting pitchers went on the 15-day injured list before Wednesday's doubleheader against the New York Mets in Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown. The good news is left-hander Matthew Boyd is set to come off the 15-day IL and rejoin the rotation Thursday.

      Wilson made just one appearance with the Phillies, pitching two scoreless innings in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Mets.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

       

      Within the span of about 12 hours, the Chicago Cubs lost 40% of their starting rotation.

      The Cubs on Wednesday placed right-handed starters Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown on the 15-day injured list. Right-handed relievers Gavin Hollowell and Vince Velasquez were called up from Triple-A Iowa. Velasquez needed to be added to the 40-man roster, which is full, so right-hander Eduardniel Nunez was designated for assignment.

      Cabrera went on the IL after he strained his left adductor and left hamstring while stretching for a throw as he covered first base in Tuesday's 9-6 victory over the New York Mets. Brown's IL placement was due to a strained neck. They make it six Cubs starting pitchers on the IL, with left-hander Matthew Boyd set to come off Thursday.

      More testing was set for Wednesday to determine the extent of Cabrera's injury, which figures to be much more longer than Brown's. Brown is likely to just have a minimal IL stay. Cabrera, acquired in a big offseason trade with the Miami Marlins, is on the IL for the second time this season after missing the minimum with a blister on his right middle finger, having just returned June 5.

      Cabrera has a 5.07 FIP (5.10 ERA) with a 9.4% walk rate and 21% strikeout rate in 14 starts. Brown has stepped into the rotation following a myriad of injuries, making eight starts in his 20 appearances. He has a 2.50 FIP (1.85 ERA), walking 7.2% and striking out 24.5% of batters.

      Hollowell had just been sent down the day before as right-hander Jayden Murray was added to the roster following a trade.

      Velasquez made a triumphant return to the majors this season after last appearing in 2023. The recently turned 34-year-old pitched in just one game, going 2⅓ shutout innings, with one hit, no walks and one strikeout April 25 in a 12-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After a rough go with the Houston Astros, Jayden Murray has a second chance with the Chicago Cubs.

      Murray was officially added to the Cubs' 26-man roster after being acquired in a trade Saturday from the Houston Astros for minor-league first baseman Cameron Sisneros. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

      Murray had been designated for assignment by the Astros after a 7.43 ERA in eight appearances and 13⅓ innings. That was quite the difference from when he made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Astros, when he appeared in nine games and had a 1.54 ERA in 11⅔ innings. Murray was drafted in the 23rd round in 2019 out of Dixie State.

      Hollowell has appeared in three games with the Cubs this season, allowing two runs in 3⅔ innings for a 4.91 ERA with five walks and two strikeouts.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

       

      With only a few 40-man roster options available, the Chicago Cubs opted for outfield defense to replace a slumping hitter.

      The Cubs on Friday called up outfielder Justin Dean from Triple-A Iowa following the demotion of designated hitter Moises Ballesteros.

      Dean will be making his Cubs debut after being claimed off waivers this offseason from the San Francisco Giants. Dean was somewhat of a cult figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers' run to the World Series last year, appearing in 13 games but not once coming up to bat. He was a late-inning defensive substitution and pinch-runner. Dean made his MLB debut last year and is hitless in two at-bats over 18 games.

      At Triple-A this year, Dean was slashing .238/.369/.354 with three homers and 25 RBIs, stealing 14 bases in 15 tries.

      Ballesteros being sent down would seem to open more at-bats for Matt Shaw, who was in the lineup in right field for Friday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Seiya Suzuki as the designated hitter.

       

       

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