Riley Martin Latest Cubs Pitcher To Land On Injured List

[Steve Drumwright]

 

The Vince Velasquez feel-good comeback story lasted one game.

Velasquez, a right-handed pitcher, on Sunday was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs. But there was more bad news from the Cubs as left-hander Riley Martin went on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left elbow.

Left-hander Charlie Barnes and right-hander Yacksel Rios were called up from Triple-A Iowa. Rios was not on the 40-man roster, thus the need to DFA Velasquez. Martin makes it 11 pitchers currently on the IL for the Cubs.

Velasquez pitched in Saturday's 12-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2⅓ shutout inxnings with one hit and no walks while striking out one. He now hits the waiver wire. If Velasquez goes unclaimed or isn't traded, it is possible he returns to the organization.

Martin was called up April 5 to make his MLB debut and appeared in eight games, posting a 2.16 ERA, walking two and striking out 10 in 8⅓ innings.

Barnes is back after a brief call-up in which he appeared in one game, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks with one strikeout in three innings on April 13 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rios is a 32-year-old who made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has appeared in 92 games, all in relief, and has a 6.32 ERA. He lasted appeared in the majors in 2023 with the Oakland A's, pitching in three games and allowing seven runs in 1⅔ innings.

 

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