Phil Maton Activated, Returns To Cubs' Bullpen

[Steve Drumwright]

 

After a rough medical start to the season, the Chicago Cubs are starting to get some of their arms back.

The latest is right-handed reliever Phil Maton, who was activated Monday off the 15-day injured list. Left-handed reliever Charlie Barnes, who was called up Sunday, was sent back to Triple-A Iowa.

Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

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— Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) April 27, 2026 at 3:10 PM

Maton is a welcome veteran addition to the Cubs' bullpen. He has been on the IL since April 10 with tendinitis in his right knee and threw one scoreless inning Friday for Iowa. He was not off to a great start after signing as a free agent in November. In four innings over five appearances before going on the IL, Maton had a 13.50 ERA, allowing six runs on six hits, including a homer, with four walks and five strikeouts and two hit batters.

Maton made his MLB debut in 2017 and has a 4.06 ERA. He started 2025 with the St. Louis Cardinals, then was dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline. He had a combined 2.79 ERA in 63 games and 61⅓ innings.

Barnes did not pitch Sunday and has one three-inning appearance in his two call-ups this season.

 

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[Arlen]

I think soon, the Cubs will have to send Webb somewhere.

[KJTchoup]

Counsell has very little patience with underperforming relief pitchers.  Maton will be released soon, they already use the fake injury once.  

[Rcal10]

2 hours ago, KJTchoup said:

Counsell has very little patience with underperforming relief pitchers.  Maton will be released soon, they already use the fake injury once.  

I can without a doubt say he isn’t being released anytime soon.

Edited 4 hours ago by Rcal10