Over the past two seasons, the Chicago Cubs pitching staff has been hammered by injuries. This year seems especially worse, but nonetheless manager Craig Counsell has had to make on the fly changes to his rotation and bullpen as a result.

One player who has been a steady presence, regardless of the role, is Colin Rea. The veteran arm had previously worked under Counsell as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, but signed a free agent deal with the Cubs prior to the 2025 season. He ended up playing a huge role in last year’s teams success that Chicago brought him back on a restructured deal that includes an option for the 2027 season.

Building off that reputation, Rea has long been labeled an “innings eater”, or a valuable arm for getting through a 162-game season, but not necessarily one who stands out. Lately, though, that narrative is starting to shift. Over his last 15 appearances, a very different story is being told.

Colin Rea has quietly been one of the Chicago Cubs most reliable pitchers

As Rea exited the mound Monday night to a standing ovation from the Wrigley crowd, he could only watch from the dugout as Nico Hoerner made a spectacular diving play to seal his final line: 6.2 innings with just one earned run allowed. While he’s certainly benefited from strong defense behind him over the past two seasons, the Cubs have been just as rewarded by his steady production,with Rea lowering his ERA to 3.26 across his last 15 starts.

Over his last 15 outings, Rea has logged six or more innings four times and has allowed more than three earned runs just once. His 72 strikeouts to 21 walks highlight his willingness to attack the zone and trust the defense behind him to handle the rest.

The results speak for themselves, and they shouldn’t go unnoticed, especially with injuries to Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and more recently Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd forcing him into a larger role in the rotation. In a staff that’s been tested, his reliability has helped stabilize things and keep the Cubs competitive on a nightly basis. It may not always grab headlines, but his consistency has quietly become one of the team’s most important assets.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has long been recognized for his defensive excellence, already owning two Gold Glove Awards. However, his offensive production has often flown under the radar, even after finishing runner-up in last year’s NL batting title race. This season, though, he’s forcing the league to take notice at the plate, earning NL Player of the Week honors for his standout performance.

Nico Hoerner wins his first NL Player of the Week award

For the first time in his career, Hoerner is a Player of the Week award winner. He earned the honor by going 9-for-26 (.346) with two homers, 11 RBIs, including a walk-off sacrifice fly against the New York Mets that has put manager Carlos Mendoza on the hot seat, and two steals. In the AL, Jose Ramirez was also named Player of the Week going 8-for-22 (.364) with a double, four homers, eight walks, five RBIs, and five steals.

As for Hoerner, last week was simply a continuation of the consistency he’s shown all season. That surge pushed his slash line to an impressive .325/.402/.518, along with three home runs, seven stolen bases, and an MLB-high-tying 21 RBIs. At this point, his production isn’t just a hot stretch, it’s becoming the standard he’s setting every time he steps to the plate.

In many ways, this moment feels like it’s been a long time coming for Hoerner. Overshadowed at times by flashier names and known primarily for his defense, his offensive consistency has often gone underappreciated. This award doesn’t just recognize a strong week, it validates the level of production he’s been delivering for a while now, making it clear that his impact at the plate is no longer something the league can afford to overlook.

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The Chicago Cubs have suffered through a brutal stretch of bad luck when it comes to their pitching, all of it happening in about a three-week period of time to start out the 2026 season.

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24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton went down for the season with an elbow injury that required surgery. Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd went on the shelf shortly after that with a left biceps strain. The Cubs have also lost closer Daniel Palencia (oblique) and relievers Phil Maton (knee), Hunter Harvey (triceps), and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration).

Through all this adversity, however, the team has been able to play .500 ball and is now in the midst of a five-game winning streak. That’s because where pitchers have fallen, other pitchers have stepped up to fill the voids.

Colin Rea and Javier Assad have stepped into the rotation to replace Horton and Boyd. Riley Martin has come up from Iowa to deliver 6.1 shutout innings so far. Caleb Thielbar has apparently shifted to the closer’s role.

Ben Brown, meanwhile, is also one of those who’s stepped up.

Ben Brown is stepping up

More News: Chicago Cubs: Answer to rotation questions may already be on staff

His poise and maturity showed in a difficult eighth inning versus the Mets on Saturday where misfortune and an error looked to be costing the team the three-run lead they had earned just two innings earlier.

But the 26-year-old righty didn’t break. One unearned run was all the team from New York could muster that inning. The Cubs would hold on to win the game 4-2.

“It was a tough inning,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “The ball did not leave the infield. They get a run on the board. They’ve got the go-ahead run at the plate. The tying run on base. And he kept making good pitches. I’m really, really proud of Ben. You’re throwing the ball well, not getting outs, and it’s getting tighter and closer, and Ben kept making pitches.

“That’s a really good sign and a big step. I think it’s important.”

A valuable asset in rough times

Ben’s growth will be crucial as the Cubs labor through some rough pitching situations due to all the injuries. Averaging just over 2.1 innings per appearance and posting a 2.70 ERA so far, he plays a pivotal role as someone who can move back and forth between the bullpen and a spot in the rotation if needed.

“He was going to be important no matter what,” Cubs starter Jameson Taillon told media. “But [more so now] with the injuries and stuff and his ability to pitch and want to pitch and take the ball. And multiple innings. He’s pitching leverage now. And also just like the evolution of his maturity out there.

“I’ve always loved Ben. He’s great to show up and he’s got great energy…He’s been huge. I think we all knew he was going to be really important and here he is just pitching multiple innings in that fireman role.”

The 6-foot-6 swingman has shown occasional flashes of brilliance throughout his young career, but delivering consistent results has eluded him. If his beefed-up pitch arsenal and his step up in maturity hold firm, he could be the pitching staff ex-factor the Cubs have been looking for.

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The Chicago Cubs did not get off to a great start in 2026. In fact, the opposite was true: they got off to an awful start. On opening weekend, they lost their series to the Washington Nationals. Indeed, they did not win a single series until last week when they took two out of three from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Prior to the start of the season, many MLB analysts believed Chicago would be one of the best teams in the National League. They were a popular pick to not only win the NL Central Division, but also compete to represent the league in the World Series.

Their early season struggles, though, saw them tumble outside the top-10 of MLB’s power rankings.

The Chicago Cubs are back in the top-10 of MLB’s power rankings

Last week’s MLB power rankings had the Cubs ranked 13th, marking the first time in 2026 that they were left outside the top-ten. However, after going 5-1 against the Phillies and New York Mets, Chicago has leaped back into the top-ten, coming in eighth in this week’s rankings:

“Matthew Boyd is scheduled to be back on Wednesday, and it can’t happen soon enough: The Cubs currently have 10 pitchers on the injured list.”

The fact that the Cubs have clawed their way to a 12-9 record on the back of a five-game winning streak is nothing short of impressive given their pitching injury woes. If they are to continue this trend, though, they need to get that starting rotation fortified.

Cade Horton is not coming back this year and Edward Cabrera has a long history of injuries. To put it bluntly, this team will only go as far as their starting pitching will take them. Success in April is all well and good, but they need to be sure they can field a healthy and impactful starting rotation late in the season in order to achieve the goals they have for themselves.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs reliever quietly having strong start to 2026 MLB season
• Cubs’ Moises Ballesteros strong hitting has started Rookie of the Year chatter
• Answer to Cubs rotation questions may already be on staff

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are 12-9, but tied for last place in the National League Central Division. Indeed, the first several weeks of the 2026 season have indicated that the NL Central is going to be a dog-fight. Going into the season, many assumed the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers would be the top two teams in the division again. To the surprise of many, all five teams are currently over .500. The tough Cincinnati Reds, who made the playoffs last year as a Wild Card, are leading the way.

If the first 20+ games of 2026 are any indication, each team in NL Central is going to be competitive all year long. What is more, all five teams also have strong farm systems, which indicates it could be this way for years to come.

Focusing on Chicago, one prospect earned a very early promotion after his incredible start down in Low-A.

The Chicago Cubs promote Cole Mathis to High-A

Cole Mathis is Chicago’s fourteenth overall prospect, a former pitcher who now plays first base and third base, is off to a hot start this year. After missing much of the 2025 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, Mathis hit just .215/.336/.402 with three home runs and 14 RBI (29 games). This year, though, he is putting the organization on notice.

Through the first 14 games he has played at Low-A this year, Mathis is hitting .294/.439/.765 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and three stolen bases.

As a result, the Cubs are promoting him:

The Chicago Cubs are promoting INF Cole Mathis to South Bend (High-A).

Mathis had a .294 batting average with 7 home runs in just 14 games for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.#Cubs

— Chase Ford (@_chaseford) April 20, 2026

Still a couple of years away from the Majors, Mathis certainly has shown that he is capable of moving up past Chicago’s initial minor league team. If he can continue hitting at high-A, a late-season promotion to Double-A is not out of the question.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs reliever quietly having strong start to 2026 MLB season
• Cubs’ Moises Ballesteros strong hitting has started Rookie of the Year chatter
• Answer to Cubs rotation questions may already be on staff

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The New York Mets, led by manager Carlos Mendoza, have now dropped 11 straight, going winless on their latest road trip, which ended with a sweep by the Chicago Cubs. They had a prime chance to snap the skid, but more late-game trouble from Devin Williams and a questionable extra-inning call from Mendoza proved costly, as Nico Hoerner delivered the walk-off with a sacrifice fly.

Following the Mets 2–1 extra-inning loss to the Cubs, frustration quickly boiled over among New York fans once they heard Mendoza explain his decision to pitch to Hoerner. For context, Hoerner came up to bat in the 10th inning with the winning run, Pete Crow-Armstrong, on third base following a wild pitch, and with one out in the inning.

Carlos Mendoza’s extra-innings call to pitch to Nico Hoerner made no sense

Once the dust settled on Sunday’s game, Mendoza met with the media to explain his extra-inning decision-making. He openly admitted there was no consideration given to intentionally walking Hoerner, a move that could have created a potential inning-ending double play. Instead, it allowed one of the game’s hottest contact hitters to stay at the plate, rather than shifting the pressure to Michael Busch, who has struggled mightily to start the season.

Further compounding the situation, Mendoza doubled down on his reasoning, explaining, “In that spot, especially with Nico Hoerner, if you put him on first, they’re likely taking second. You know it’s a contact situation, but then you’ve got some of their best hitters coming up.”

This explanation suggests Mendoza was primarily concerned about Hoerner advancing to second, not just because it would put another runner in scoring position, but because it would eliminate the possibility of a double play. Even so, that scenario would still require execution, and there remained a chance the inning could have been decided earlier, whether by Busch or Alex Bregman, who was on deck and also off to a slow start, before any potential steal even came into play.

All of this only adds to the growing pressure on Mendoza. With the New York Mets now mired in an 11-game skid, scrutiny was already mounting, but his explanation for pitching to Hoerner has only intensified it. When results aren’t there, decisions get dissected, and in this case, Mendoza’s reasoning did little to quiet the noise. Instead, it’s pushed him further onto the hot seat, with fans and analysts alike questioning not just the outcome, but the process behind it.

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The Chicago Cubs came into this 2026 season with some big expectations hanging over their heads.

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After an eventful offseason which saw them add three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera, and four new free agent relievers to restock a depleted bullpen, there was the belief that this particular team could be a special one. As a matter of fact, there was actually some World Series chatter floating through the air.

However, things got off to a rough start. A flat-lining offense early in the season, along with a season-ending elbow injury to sophomore pitcher Cade Horton and several other pitching staff injuries (Matthew Boyd, Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Ethan Roberts, Daniel Palencia) resulted in a very uninspired stretch with which to start the season.

Things have turned around since then. The Cubs are currently in the midst of a five-game winning streak and have been piling up the runs in recent games. The pitching has also rallied around the proverbial flag and, as a whole, has been successful so far in compensating for the loss of talent.

But it would be unrealistic to assume that this current forward momentum could last forever. The offense is bound to come back down to earth. The pitching is almost guaranteed to eventually trend downward, especially when it comes to those roster replacements who appear to be currently overachieving to varying degrees.

The Cubs’ need to trade

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Trades will likely be necessary if the team is serious about making a deep postseason push. Specifically, they will probably need pitching more than anything else.

Even if ace Justin Steele returns from elbow surgery by mid-season and is close to what he usually produces and if Boyd/Palencia/Maton/Harvey stay mostly healthy the rest of the way, there would still be need for one more solid starter and, maybe, some bullpen help.

And the Cubs have plenty of trade fodder right in their farm system, at the Triple-A level. As a matter of fact, a case could be made for them emptying out Iowa to get more pitching by the trade deadline this year.

No team likes to trade a bundle of prospects, but the reality is that many of the Cubs’ highest-level top prospects have no path to a starting spot on the major league Cubs.

Who should be on the trade block?

First baseman Jonathon Long (no. 6 prospect) has a big bat, but Michael Busch is in Chicago and nobody plans on moving him out any time soon. SS/2B Jefferson Rojas (no. 4) is blocked by Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, who just signed a six-year extension with the Cubs. 3B/2B Pedro Ramirez (no. 8) won’t get a starting gig in Chicago with Alex Bregman and Hoerner there. 2B/OF James Triantos (no. 9) is also without any real path to a major league spot. OF Brett Bateman (no. 20) profiles as a big speed/big defense centerfielder-type, but there’s no way he’s getting any playing time there with the recently extended Pete Crow-Armstrong around.

The only untouchables from Iowa would probably be top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and outfielder Kevin Alcantara, who could be up for a corner outfielder gig if Chicago loses Ian Happ and/or Seiya Suzuki to free agency after this season.

The quality of the potential Cubs trade bait at their top minor league level can be debated, but they do have enough to land at least one quality starter by the deadline and maybe a quality setup man as well.

That could be all Chicago needs to make a real run at a championship. So, dealing prospects with no path to the majors should be a no-brainer. The Cubs should invest in their lower-level stars, but wheel and deal with what they have at Triple-A.

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The Chicago Cubs are 12-9 and have five games in a row. At the moment, it appears that they have successfully navigated the early injuries to their starting rotation that, for a little while, appeared to set their season on a course for failure. They may be tied for last place in the National League Central Division, but they are only 1.5 games out of first place with plenty of season remaining.

Indeed, overcoming challenges from March until October is what the best teams in baseball do. Many predicted that Chicago would win the division and perhaps even advance to the World Series before the season started. That dream is still alive.

But there are concerns, specifically regarding the offensive production of Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong has been struggling for a while

Early in the 2026 season, the Cubs announced that they had agreed to a six-year $115 million contract extension with Crow-Armstrong. His breakout 2025 season which saw him hit .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 95 RBI, and 35 stolen bases set high expectations for his future. After all, he was the first Chicago player since Sammy Sosa to post a 30-30 season.

Regardless of his overall success in 2025, though, the fact is that he struggled mightily in the second half of the season. What is more, those struggles have carried over to early 2026, and many are starting to wonder if his first half output was merely a flash in the pan.

Per Bleacher Report:

“It’s a particularly concerning start for Crow-Armstrong when you consider that after he started in the All-Star Game last summer, he hit just .216 with a .634 OPS in the second half of the season.

“Even in the first half of the 2025 season, Crow-Armstrong posted just a .302 on-base percentage. He was still able to ride an .847 OPS into being an early-season NL MVP candidate because he homered 25 times, but Crow-Armstrong is overly reliant on hitting the ball out of the park offensively. When he’s not doing that, he doesn’t provide a ton of value because he doesn’t draw walks or hit for a high batting average.

“The good news for the Cubs is that regardless of what he’s doing at the plate, Crow-Armstrong is arguably the top defender at any position in baseball, as evidenced by the six defensive runs saved and four outs above average that he’s already accumulated in 2026.

“Still, the Cubs have to be worried that Crow-Armstrong isn’t going to ever sniff the offensive output that he posted during the first half of the 2025 season.”

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs reliever quietly having strong start to 2026 MLB season
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• Answer to Cubs rotation questions may already be on staff

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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After a weekend series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs were able to bounce back this week in a big way. The Cubs took the series in Pittsburgh earlier this week and have now finished it off with a huge sweep over the New York Mets this weekend.

Sunday’s win that capped off the series sweep came in comeback fashion as the Cubs got a late run in the ninth inning to tie it and then the walk-off run in the tenth inning to get the win. While Chicago’s offense struggled and managed just two runs, it was the pitching that kept them in it. That included a few relievers and one that is having a very good start to the 2026 season.

Riley Martin has been fantastic for the Chicago Cubs this season

Going into the year, the concern for the Cubs was the bullpen. Did they do enough to secure the bullpen and not make it a concern? But since then, it’s been that and injuries that have been the big storylines.

But one pitcher is proving his worth early on in the season.

Since being called up a few weeks ago, veteran Riley Martin has been really damn good for the Cubs. He’s thrown 6.1 innings, giving up four hits, zero runs, zero walks and striking out seven. Pretty damn good.

Riley Martin this season:
6.1 IP | 4 H | 0 R | 0 BB | 7 K

He has not been phased by big league pressure and has really performed well early. pic.twitter.com/NwT8z5NlUL

— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) April 19, 2026

Martin has been a big relief for the bullpen and on Sunday, he pitched another scoreless frame. With Martin being a big positive in the bullpen, the Cubs could use him until they get healthy. From there, he will continue to be a big piece in the bullpen and has certainly earned his role.

Being a Southpaw, he should have an increased and important role as the season continues on for the Cubs and the bullpen.

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The Chicago Cubs have been struggling out of the gates this season, but have begun to turn things around. They have been dealing with some injuries, but there are things the team can believe in after 20 games. Chicago has been playing better as of late and has some developments they can believe in going forward. Let’s take a closer look at what one of the bigger ones is right now.

Nico Hoerner has been excelling for the 2026 Chicago White Sox

MLB wrote an article where each beat writer wrote an early-season development that each team can believe in. Jordan Bastian discussed how second baseman Nico Hoerner has looked even better in 2026. Below is what he said:

“What Hoerner brings to the Cubs is hardly a secret. The second baseman plays elite defense (see: two Gold Glove Awards), brings plus speed (123 steals from 2022-25) and has been one of the hardest players in the game to strike out (49 in 649 plate appearances in ’25). Hoener boasts one of baseball’s elite contact rates, helping him perfomr well in the clutch (.371 average with RISP last year). Out of the gates this season, Hoerner is hitting at an even higher level and is near the top of the WAR leaderboards on both FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference. A subtle swing change has helped, and this hot start is a continuation of a dynamic September and postseason last year. Fresh off signing a six-year, $141 million extension, Hoerner looks like he has unlocked an even better version of himself for the North Siders.”

Entering April 19, Hoerner has looked outstanding at the plate. He is posting a .927 OPS with three homers, 20 RBI, 13 runs scored, and six steals without being caught. As a result, the lineup has been even deeper and makes things even better. It will be intriguing to see if Hoerner can continue hitting as well as he has. With the injuries to the pitching staff, having hitters play better than the back of their baseball card is critical to success.

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The Chicago Cubs always had faith in Moises Ballesteros. From the first moment their scouts saw him, they felt that the kid was something special with the bat. That’s why they offered him a $1.2 million signing bonus at the young age of 17.

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So far, in his first full season in the majors, the 22-year-old is living up to his promise.

Through 17 games and 46 plate appearances, the left-handed hitting DH is hitting .381 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs and an OPS of 1.032. And that’s factoring in a slow start in his first 8 games of the season where he batted a lowly .150.

Regarded as a hitting savant by many, Ballesteros made adjustments after that slow start and has been absolutely killing it since then. In his last 9 games, he’s 13-for-22 (.591) with all 3 of his home runs and 8 of his RBIs coming during that stretch. Overall in the month of April, he’s raking with a .500 average.

While it’s true that he’s been kept away from tough left-handed pitching by manager Craig Counsell—as evidenced Saturday when Carson Kelly hit a 3-run home tun after replacing Ballesteros as a pitch-hitter—his ability to generate quality contact and make hitting decisions on the fly is evident.

Ballesteros as a hitting savant

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Ballesteros, at a pudgy 5-foot-8, most definitely wasn’t the typical blue-chip prospect targeted by the Cubs, who have a preference for thoroughbred multi-tool athletes with Adonis frames. But the kid had a serious gift when it came to hitting.

And the Venezuela native proved the Cubs’ faith in him warranted. Since making his pro debut at 18, Ballesteros has hit at every level of the organization—usually as the youngest player on each roster—earning Cubs Minor League Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024 primarily on the weight of his bat, alone.

In 66 major league plate appearances last season, he hit .298 with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs while posting a superb .394 on base percentage. His poise at the plate and ability to get solid hacks at just about everything impressed those in the organization and beyond. His late-season run, in a lot of ways, made up for Kyle Tucker’s extended slump at the time and he often saw at bats higher up in the lineup than many had anticipated from him.

“We kind of asked a lot of him,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters during January’s Cubs Convention. “You saw where he was hitting in the lineup at times. I think that is a sign of a lot of confidence in a young hitter. He showed us a lot.”

Rookie of the Year chatter

Ballesteros’ early run of success this season has already produced some Rookie of the Year chatter.

The NL rookie class this year is especially deep and he already has knocks against him as a slow-footed DH with no on-field position to call home. But, offensively, he currently ranks among the top rookies in most categories. His ability to process opposition pitching and make adjustments already gives him a leg up on many young talents.

Whether he takes Rookie of the Year honors or not, Ballesteros seems to be the real deal. It’ll be exciting to see where he fits into the team in the years ahead.

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The Chicago Cubs are facing a major starting pitching dilemma, not just for the rest of the 2026 season, but also for next year and beyond.

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This season, the issues are pretty obvious. The team lost emerging ace Cade Horton to an elbow injury in just his second start of the year. He’ll be out for the rest of this season and well into the next after surgery. Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd went on the IL right after Horton, suffering from a left biceps strain. Injured ace Justin Steele, meanwhile, is coming back from his own elbow surgery last year and is probably still about two months away from even considering a full-time return to the mound.

Next season, though, there are arguably even bigger issues awaiting the Cubs.

Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga will all be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2026 baseball year. There will also be plenty of uncertainty regarding Horton’s ability to rebound. Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who was expected to maybe reach the majors at the very end of this year and put in a serious bid for a rotation spot next year, was just put on the shelf with arm issues in Iowa, thereby slowing his development in the present tense.

In a worst case scenario, all of this means that Chicago would have question marks in at least four of the five rotation spots headed into next season.

That’s not good.

The answer could be right in front of them

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However, the answer to at least some of the Cubs’ starting pitching problems, both this year and next, could already be in the rotation—Shota Imanaga.

The 32-year-old Japanese import has been absolutely killing it so far this season, posting a 2.45 ERA through four starts. His velocity is up, his stuff is crisp, and his strike out/whiff rates are way up.

After a down 2025, Imanaga came into this season working on a one-year qualifying offer and was considered almost an afterthought in the rotation. The general consensus seemed to be that the Cubs would be happy with whatever they got from the lefty.

As of this early date in the year, he’s actually the best starter on the staff and, with the total loss of Horton and the temporary loss of Boyd, his presence has been indispensable. Having a fully-actualized version of Imanaga throwing every fifth day will help the team immensely as they get deeper into the season and certain deficiencies and question marks begin to pop up.

Bringing Shota Imanaga back

Finding a way to re-sign that same fully-actualized Imanaga will also go a long way towards helping ease next year’s impending rotation doubts.

Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib echoes those thoughts and insists that keeping Imanaga a Cub should be a priority for Cubs president Jed Hoyer and the front office.

Per Campbell:

“He has an ERA of 2.45 while striking out over 37% of the hitters he faced. His fastball velocity is up to 92.2 MPH, and his Baseball Savant page is dripping red for his whiff rate and chase rate.

This current version of Imanaga is better than any version the Cubs have had in past years. So good that with Horton now out until the second half of the 2027 season, finding a way to keep Imanaga in Chicago beyond this season needs to be the priority.”

Imanaga’s 2025 struggles—with injury early in the season and ineffectiveness later in the year—led to the Cubs making some tough contract-related decisions with him.

They declined their three-year, $57.75 million club option on him, which led to Imanaga declining his $15.25 million player option for 2026. Rather than wade into free agency, Imanaga instead accepted the Cubs qualifying offer of $22 million for the 2026 season.

The question will be whether that contract tussle created any bad blood that could affect another deal from being made. Both sides have said that there is no bad blood, but that’s just what they’re saying publicly.

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Breaking camp on the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster was outfielder Dylan Carlson. A PCL sprain to Seiya Suzuki opened up the opportunity for Carlson, but upon Suzuki’s return he was designated for assignment. Carlson initially elected to test free agency, rather than report to Triple-A Iowa, but now has returned to the club on a minor league deal.

Dylan Carlson rejoins Chicago Cubs organization after release

After spending four days on the open market, per Carlson’s MLB transaction page, he has elected to return to the Cubs. This doesn’t mean he didn’t have opportunities to sign elsewhere, but often these veteran players sign with the team where they feel they have a path to the big leagues.

For Carlson, he will join Kevin Alcantara and Justin Dean as outfield options on the Triple-A roster who are on the 40-man roster. Alcantara is off to a scorching hot start at the plate, hitting seven home runs over his first 17 games, but is striking out at a 37.5% clip, which is one big weakness in his game. On the other hand, Dean’s strength is of base running, as he is one of the fastest players on the games, but doesn’t have an offensive profile with much upside as getting on base can be an issue for him.

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Back in 2021, the Chicago Cubs saw Patrick Wisdom break Kris Bryant’s single season record for home runs by a rookie. Wisdom, who finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting that year, hit 28 longs ball over just 106 games played. Wisdom ended up spending five seasons with the Cubs, smashing 84 home runs over that span, before spending the 2025 season in Korea.

With the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization, last year Wisdom re-found his power stroke at the plate, hitting 35 home runs in total, 20 doubles, and driving in 85 runs. His performance overseas was enough to land him a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners, where on April 16 of this year they called him up to make his first big league appearance since 2024.

Unfortunately, Wisdom saw his MLB comeback stopped by injury as during his first at-bat he injured his oblique and landed on the injured list.

Chicago Cubs rookie home run record holder Patrick Wisdom sees MLB comeback stopped by oblique injury

After one at-bat against the San Diego Padres, Wisdom landed on the injured list with an oblique injury. This certainly has to be frustrating for Wisdom and the Mariners as he was swinging the bat well in 2026. At the time of his call up, he led all the minor leagues with nine home runs in 15 games.

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The Chicago Cubs were many fans’ and analysts’ pick to not only win the National League Central Division in 2026, but also advance to the World Series. Unfortunately, they have not gotten off to a very good start through the season’s first 19 games.

While Chicago is currently 10-9, one game above .500, they in last place in the division. Of course, they have 143 games left to play, but early season injuries, some of which are significant, present them with hurdles that will be difficult to overcome as the year progresses.

Additionally, a couple of their most important offensive players from a year ago simply are not producing yet.

The Chicago Cubs get a D+ in early season grading

Bleacher Report recently published an article in which they gave each MLB a letter grade for their performances through the first several weeks of the season. As discussed, the Cubs have not lived up to expectations so far this year, and the D+ they received reflect that:

“The Cubs have already lost Cade Horton for the year, Justin Steele won’t be back until at least Memorial Day and the combo of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch which carried this offense in 2025 has been woeful through these first 18 games. They’ve won five of their last eight, though, including pummeling the Phillies in back-to-back games. The NL Central’s preseason favorites have been a disappointment at .500, but they are starting to come to life.”

Cubs fans are well-aware of the pitching woes the team has had so far this season. Injuries certainly have not helped.

It is rather frustrating, though, that both Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch are off to such slow starts. PCA also cooled off considerably in the second half of last season, so his struggles to start the year have raised some eyebrows (especially in light of his $115 million contract extension).

Not mentioned above is the absolute dreadful start of $175 million third baseman Alex Bregman, who was signed as a free agent this past off-season.

Several players need to turn their performances around quick in order for Chicago to keep pace in the division.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs going with “best arm available” in ninth inning
• Matthew Boyd delivers mixed results in first rehab outing
• Cubs closer Daniel Palencia heads to IL

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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When the Chicago Cubs signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million deal this past offseason, it sure seemed like it was a somewhat universally well-regarded move.

More News: Chicago Cubs trade ideas abound as pitching staff continues to fall apart

The veteran three-time All-Star brought with him a solid, dependable bat, elite-level defense, and a reputation as one of the best clubhouse leaders in the league.

When the 32-year-old Bregman got off to a slow start in the 2026 campaign, however, some gripes, criticisms, and doubts began to be amplified.

Bregman signing slammed after the fact

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd delivers mixed results in first rehab outing

And despite his bat warming up recently—he’s 13-for-39 with 6 RBIs in his last 9 games—the public second guessing continues.

For example, Christopher Kline of Fansided labeled the Cubs’ Bregman signing as an “offseason regret already haunting” the team.

Per Kline:

“With all due respect to Alex Bregman — and he has earned a ton of respect over the years — Chicago’s decision to sign him to a five-year, $175 million contract ahead of his age-32 season was a predictable misstep. Bregman is known as a great teammate and the ultimate winner, but last season in Boston was a mixed bag, to say the least. The signs of imminent decline were there.

…$35 million annually to Bregman feels destined to become a sunk cost. He’s limping out of the gate with a .659 OPS in the heart of the Cubs’ order. Add that next to the relative sunk cost of Dansby Swanson’s contract at shortstop, and Chicago could be locked in to diminishing returns in the infield for the foreseeable future.”

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, meanwhile, sees rapidly diminishing returns from the former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner.

Per Dierkes:

“Back in January, I felt Davy Andrews of FanGraphs did a nice job articulating the downside risk of signing Bregman through the age of 36. The key passage: ‘He’s not starting out with much margin for error, so things could get ugly when his bat speed or his contact skills start to go. And Bregman is already slow and a below-average baserunner. He already has a weak arm. When the first-step quickness goes, the defense could crater pretty quickly too.’

Baseball player aging does not happen in a nice, linear, predictable fashion. At some point during this contract, Bregman is going to be pretty bad. The Cubs are betting it’ll be the last year or two. It would not be crazy to bet major decline and/or increased missed time due to injury sets in earlier than that.”

Being realistic on multi-year contracts

It’s true that one really can’t expect the same player to be as sharp at 36 as he was at 31 or 32. That’s just being realistic. It’s also realistic, though, that on any long-term deal involving a 30-plus-year-old star, there will be some diminishing returns toward the end of the contract. Any team that wanted Bregman for the here and now would have to accept that fact.

The Cubs believed that they were a championship-level team and they opted to bring in Bregman, on the down side of his prime, to man third base during their window of opportunity. They also brought him in to serve as a cornerstone foundation piece and leader for a team that will likely be without many of its core veteran components next year due to free agency. That’s a role he can play, even well past his prime.

As with any deal, the Bregman signing was a gamble—and more people still do believe that it was the right deal to make for this team.

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As the Cubs navigate their pitcher injury woes, they select the contract of former ranked right-handed pitching prospect Corbin Martin from AAA Iowa. Martin, 30, was originally a second round draft pick by the Astros in 2017 and was at one point on the top 100 prospect lists of Baseball America and MLB. Since then, he has bounced around organizations. Martin missed much of 2019 and 2020 due to Tommy John surgery, as well as 2023 due to a lat tendon tear.

The Cubs signed Martin to a Minor League deal back in January.

With Daniel Palencia sidelined, the Cubs are adding Corbin Martin to their bullpen and moving Cade Horton to the 60-day injured list.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 18, 2026

What are the Cubs getting in Martin?

Unfortunately for Martin, he does not have much of a track record in the Majors, marked by injuries and struggles. Since his debut in 2019, he’s pitched in 34 games (10 starts) and sports a career 6.54 ERA, 6.57 WHIP, 1.9 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, and 5.6 BB/9 in 75.2 innings. He’s never pitched more than 22.1 MLB innings in a season.

Last season, he pitched in the Majors for the first time since 2022 with the Orioles and surrendered 12 runs in 18 innings, while striking out 23 hitters. He’s only pitched in two games (2.0 IP) in Iowa this year.

Martin is primarily a fastball, slider, and curveball pitcher with an occasional changeup. Earlier in his career, he was heavier with his fastball, but last year he mixed in more breaking stuff. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with the slider around 88-90 MPH. He’s gotten some decent whiffs; last year, he posted a 26% strikeout rate, but walks and getting hit hard have been big issues.

Just trying to get by.

The Cubs are now without Cade Horton (for the season/60 day IL), Justin Steele (rehabbing), Matthew Boyd (rehabbing), Porter Hodge (for the season), Daniel Palencia, Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jordan Wicks, and Ethan Roberts. This does not count Shelby Miller (rehabbing) and Gavin Hollowell, who are both on the 40-man. Right now, they need all the help they can get.

It’s hard to have any expectations for Martin, and it should be seen as first and foremost a band-aid on a very bruised arm. Although the Cubs have found plenty of diamonds in the rough in recent years when it comes to bullpen arms. Not to say Martin will be one, but time will tell. This will be quite a challenge for Craig Counsell and company.

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The Chicago Cubs have taken some real gut punches recently, especially when it comes to pitching.

In about three weeks of season so far, the pitching staff has been besieged with misfortune via injury. Most notable was the loss of 24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton, who will be lost for the rest of the season—and well into the next—after having to undergo elbow surgery.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd delivers mixed results in first rehab outing

But there’s been way more pitching bad luck hurled at the Cubs’ feet.

Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd went on the IL shortly after the Horton injury. Relievers Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, and Ethan Roberts have also gone on the shelf. Reliever Porter Hodge had to have his own season-ending elbow surgery. Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was temporarily shut down at Triple-A Iowa. Most recently, closer Daniel Palencia was placed on the IL with an oblique injury.

The strain on Cubs pitching is bound to impact the team as a whole as the season advances. And while ace Justin Steele should be back to the rotation before mid-season after last year’s elbow surgery and Boyd is already working his way through rehab, the reality is already setting in that Chicago will need to reach for some pitching help outside of the organization.

That’s why so many trade ideas and proposals have been popping up everywhere. If they can’t pick up the still-available free agent starter Lucas Giolito, a trade may be a necessity. Generally speaking, it’s too early in the season to pull off a significant deal, but the Cubs may be in a special situation where they just can’t wait until the trade deadline.

With that in mind, here are some early trade suggestions offered up by media.

Kodai Senga from the Mets

More News: Chicago Cubs lose another pitcher to IL as closer Daniel Palencia goes down

The 33-year-old right-handed Japanese import was outstanding in 2023 (12-7, 2.98 ERA over 29 starts) and also in 2025 (7-6, 3.02 ERA in 22 starts), after missing almost all of 2024 due to injury. This year, he got off to a decent beginning before being lit up in his last two starts (including against the Cubs in the Cubs-Mets series opener at Wrigley Field on Friday). All in all, he has an ugly 8.83 ERA over 4 starts so far in 2026.

Ryan Shea of SI.com believes that Senga, who’s under a $15 million-per-season contract through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028, provides a “buy-low opportunity on frontline talent” for the Cubs.

In return, Shea sees the Cubs giving up no. 5 prospect OF Kane Kepley and no. 17 prospect RHP Jostin Florentino.

Luis Severino from the Athletics

The 32-year-old veteran right-hander has made it clear that he’s not all that happy with pitching for the Athletics under current conditions. His numbers this year and last perhaps show that displeasure. The veteran, who has a $22 million player option after this season, hasn’t posted a sub-3.90 ERA since 2022 with the Yankees, but what he does do is provide innings—and that’s something the Cubs desperately need right now.

Ryan Shea of SI.com estimates that Severino could cost the Cubs no. 16 prospect RHP Brandon Birdsell (who will miss all of 2026 after elbow surgery) and no. 27 prospect LHP Riley Martin (who is already pitching with the big league Cubs).

Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants

If the 8-12 Giants don’t see themselves as realistic competitors in the tough NL West, it’s conceivable that they could start unloading contracts, possibly starting with the 34-year-old Ray, who’s owed $25 million in this last year of his contract. The lefty has been very good so far this season and was a solid workhorse last year. He could be slotted somewhere in the Cubs rotation to compensate for the loss of Horton.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report sees the Giants’ asking price for Ray as fairly reasonable—no. 6 prospect 1B Jonathon Long, who could be viewed as expendable with Michael Busch owning the first base spot on the major league squad.

Other trade names tossed about are the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara (again), the Twins’ Joe Ryan, the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs, the Angels’ Jose Soriano, and the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen.

Most of these possible trade targets—maybe all of them—won’t be dealt before the trade deadline. But the Cubs could push for the deals by sweetening the pot offered. If things continue on the current bad luck path, they may have to.

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Last season, Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong enjoyed a breakout year. He hit .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 95 RBI, and 35 stolen bases. He was the first Cubs player since Sammy Sosa to post a 30-30 season, and quickly became one of the faces of Chicago sports.

Not only did Crow-Armstrong perform well, overall, at the plate, but he also was otherworldly on defense. He won the National League Gold Glove for centerfield and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Earlier this year, the Cubs gave Crow-Armstrong a six-year $115 million contract extension despite the fact that he had multiple years of club control remaining. However, they felt it a good investment as it locks him into Chicago at a reasonable price for the foreseeable future.

Chicago Cubs CF Pete Crow-Armstrong declared one of the most over-hyped stars in baseball

Unfortunately, Crow-Armstrong struggled in the second half of the season last year and is not off to a good start in 2026. Through 19 games played, he is hitting just .227/.275/.293 with a home run and five RBI. Most concerning, he has struck out 24 times and has drawn just four walks.

His poor start has Bleacher Report declaring him one of the most over-hyped stars in Major League Baseball:

“His 31-homer, 35-steal stat line last year helped mask an ugly .287 on-base percentage and a middling 4.5 percent walk rate. That extremely aggressive approach is being exploited this year, as his 49.3 percent chase rate is among the worst in baseball and he has a .202 expected batting average. His elite defense and speed will always give him a high value floor, but he might be more Kevin Kiermaier than Carlos Beltrán.”

Crow-Armstrong is still young and has plenty of time to improve at the plate. That being said, as he will be making $22 million a year for five years starting in 2027, he needs to figure it out quickly in order to be worth what the Cubs are going to pay him.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs going with “best arm available” in ninth inning
• Matthew Boyd delivers mixed results in first rehab outing
• Cubs closer Daniel Palencia heads to IL

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Just a few weeks into the season, the Chicago Cubs have already turned to 13 different relievers from the bullpen. Injuries have taken out Phil Maton, Ethan Roberts, Porter Hodge, and most recently Daniel Palencia. With their closer Palencia, being sidelined with an oblique issue, here we take a look at how manager Craig Counsell might navigate the ninth inning in his absence.

With Daniel Palencia sidelined by an oblique strain, the Chicago Cubs will go with the “best arm available” approach

Given the relief options currently available to Counsell, which includes five lefties in Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, Riley Martin, Ryan Rolison and Luke Little, along with right-handers Ben Brown and Jacob Webb, the strategy while Palencia us out unsurprisingly is going to be “best arm available.” This approach seemingly is the only option, and given the amount of southpaws in the bullpen, the Cubs are likely to be on the wrong side of matchups late in games.

That said, among the available options, the most reliable choices right now may be Caleb Thielbar and Hoby Milner. Both have allowed just two runs so far, with Milner logging 8.1 innings and Thielbar six. Neither is known for piling up strikeouts, but they limit walks and consistently find ways to record outs, something that has been a hallmark of their careers.

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The Chicago Cubs have been through the wringer the first three weeks or so of this 2026 campaign. Alongside an offense that spent much of the early season deep in the doldrums, the pitching has also been suffering through a rash of pitching injuries that is already taxing a staff once lauded for its depth.

More News: Chicago Cubs president discusses Plan B options for beleaguered pitching staff

The one shred of possible good news, however, is that Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd, who was placed on the 15-day IL with a left biceps strain after his second start of the season, may be close to making his return to the team.

There was a bit of good news-bad news, however, in his first rehab start with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Thursday.

Matthew Boyd starts rehab in Iowa

More News: Chicago Cubs: Imanaga’s excellence teases looming free agent drama

The bad news was that he allowed 3 earned runs, 4 hits, and a walk in 3.2 innings against the Columbus Clippers.

The good news was that he struck out 6 batters during this outing and his fastball velocity was up to 94.1 mph (from an average velocity of 92.7 mph in his first two starts of this season).

The Cubs are reportedly viewing this rehab stay as minimal with the 35-year-old expected to rejoin the big league squad as soon as this coming Tuesday for the series at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite comments from manager Craig Counsell and Boyd himself that this IL stint was more precautionary in nature, there was still fear among many that the biceps issue would result in a more complicated rehab.

That fear was obviously exasperated by the recent run of horrible bad luck washing over the Cubs pitching staff.

The Cubs’ insane run of bad luck

In just his second start of the season, 24-year-old one-time top pitching prospect and emerging ace Cade Horton went down with an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery. Matthew Boyd was next on the “hit” list, suffering his left biceps strain right after the Horton gut punch.

Following those two blasts of starting rotation misfortune, it was the bullpen’s turn to fall into the darkness. Phil Maton got put on the shelf with right knee tendonitis. Then, Hunter Harvey was placed on the IL with right triceps inflammation. Ethan Roberts, who was called up to help fill the bullpen voids, then got taken out due to a freak finger laceration. Porter Hodge, who started the season with Triple-A Iowa but was expected to be called up to the big leagues at some point, suffered his own elbow injury and will undergo season-ending surgery. To make matters even worse, current top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was just placed on the IL in Iowa with right elbow inflammation.

Again, all of this was within a three-week span of time.

If Boyd can make a healthy and productive return to the starting rotation, a good amount of pressure will be off the team to compensate and, also, off the front office to make a trade or free agent pickup out of desperation.

The southpaw Boyd is 1-1 so far on the season with a 6.75 ERA, but had already registered 17 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.

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The Chicago Cubs are going through a seriously major “when it rains, it pours” stretch of bad luck when it comes to their pitching staff.

More News: Chicago Cubs president discusses Plan B options for beleaguered pitching staff

On Friday, the Cubs announced that they were placing closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day IL (retroactive to April 14) with a left oblique strain.

The injury itself is, of course, bad news. Palencia has been killing it so far this year, coming off a dominant showing as part of Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic he’s been lights-out as the team’s back-of-bullpen presence.

The tricky nature of oblique injuries

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman sounds off on team character

However, the nature of his injury gives plenty of cause for concern over whether the crucial piece of the Cubs bullpen puzzle will be able to make a quick and successful return to the team.

Oblique strains are notoriously tricky injuries from which to recover and setbacks are common. Last year, for example, pitcher Javier Assad suffered through two separate bouts with an oblique strain and didn’t make his season debut at the big league level until August 12.

For a pitcher like Palencia, who throws hard and pushes through a greater degree of extension, full rehabilitation could be even more complicated. Of course, his timetable for a comeback also depends on the severity of his injury. So, it’s hard to make a true assessment until all details are in.

In five outings/five innings so far this season, the 26-year-old righty flame thrower has yet to allow an earned run. He’s also struck out 5 in those five innings. Although he’s only had one save so far this year, he was expected to play a huge role in the Cubs’ expected run deep into the playoffs.

Riding through the bad luck

Now, the future comes into question amid an absolute tidal wave of gut punches to a pitching staff that was lauded for its depth and versatility throughout the offseason.

Cade Horton, the 24-year-old emerging ace, suffered an elbow injury in just his second start of the year and has undergone season-ending surgery. Right after Horton’s fall, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was placed on the 15-day IL with a left biceps strain.

Then, the bullpen got in on the misfortune.

Phil Maton went on the shelf with right knee tendonitis. Hunter Harvey was put on the 15-day IL with right triceps inflammation. The recently-recalled Ethan Roberts saw himself shipped off to the IL after a freak finger laceration. Then, it was announced that Porter Hodge would be having his own season-ending elbow surgery.

To make matters even worse, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was recently placed on the IL in Iowa with right elbow inflammation.

Now, Palencia goes down.

And all of this within a span of about three weeks.

The Cubs front office will now have to scramble and find some suitable replacements and/or fill-ins for all these losses. Buzz abounds regarding possible trade targets and free agent pick-ups, but nothing is beyond the rumor stage at this point.

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The Chicago Cubs got a much-needed series win earlier this week, taking two of three on the road at Philadelphia. As they welcome in another NL East foe in the New York Mets, manager Craig Counsell provided a key update on the future of an injured pitcher.

In his second start, Cade Horton had to leave his start against the Cleveland Guardians in just the second inning. He reported tightness in his forearm and after an MRI and evaluation, it revealed the worst. Horton would be shut down for the rest of the season and would require surgery. Now, we have a little more context in terms of his return.

When will Cade Horton return?

Ahead of the series against the New York Mets, Counsell met the media and was asked about Horton. There, he delivered the bad news that it’s going to be a long wait to see him back pitching.

Counsell told reporters Horton had his elbow surgery and will be looking at a 15-16 month recovery:

Cubs Cade Horton had his elbow surgery. Looking at a 15-16 month recovery, per Craig Counsell.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 17, 2026

After a promising season last year, Horton was off to a great start in 2026. In 7.1 innings pitched, he posted a 2.45 ERA with four strikeouts and a 1-0 record in those games.

He missed the end of the season last year, including the playoffs, after suffering an arm injury. The hope was that Horton would at the top of the Cubs’ rotation this year and for years to come. Chicago is also awaiting the return of Justin Steele who missed over a year after having surgery early last season.

The Cubs are hoping to get Steele back by the Summer.

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The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitching is being significantly tested

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report wrote an article discussing one thing we learned about each MLB team this season. The thing we have learned is ‘the rotation is already a bigger question’. Rymer explained why this is his decision below:

“This is to imply that the strength of the rotation was always a question the Cubs would have to answer this year. And now, even more so after injuries to Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton. Boyd will be back soon, but Horton is done for the rest of the year after having elbow surgery. What starters Chicago does hve are only rocking a 3.95 ERA in the meantime, so it’s already time to be working the phones.”

Entering the April 15 slate of games, the Cubs are tied with the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres for 21st in starting pitcher innings (82.0). With Chicago being one of the teams that are interested in signing free agent Lucas Giolito, they want to fix their starting pitching woes. With the current rotation of Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea, there are players who could improve the rotation going forward.

The Cubs have some starting pitching depth in the minors, but they need to figure things out. It will be intriguing to see how the Cubs’ pitching is able to hold up as the season continues.

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The Chicago Cubs have been suffering through gut punch after gut punch when it comes to their pitching. Running down the list of misfortune almost sounds too comically unlucky to be real.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Imanaga’s excellence teases looming free agent drama

Emerging ace Cade Horton went down with an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery. Matthew Boyd has been laid up with a left biceps strain. Reliever Phil Maton went on the shelf with right knee tendinitis. Hunter Harvey is on the IL with right triceps inflammation. The recently called-up Ethan Roberts is out with a freak finger laceration. Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was placed on the IL in Iowa suffering from right elbow inflammation. Most recently, it was announced that reliever Porter Hodge would be undergoing season-ending elbow surgery.

All of this, less than three full weeks into the 2026 season.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer did a good job this offseason of adding a virtual legion of insurance arms via minor league deals to a pitching staff considered deep with options. But that depth is already being tested and is close to the point of breaking after so many early losses. Two key bullpen pieces—swingmen Colin Rea and Javier Assad—are already plugging holes in the starting rotation.

There’s also the reality facing the team that nobody is quite sure how good former ace Justin Steele will be once he comes back from his own elbow surgery before mid-season.

Pitching insecurity demands attention

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman sounds off on team character

Hoyer and the Cubs, however, are not done adding arms. On Wednesday they signed former major leaguers Ty Blach and Paul Campbell to minor league deals. Chicago, however, is possibly one more big injury away from full-on collapse and minor league pickups won’t suffice if the goal is a deep postseason run.

Hoyer recently talked about the scramble for some Plan Bs in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.

“You just immediately feel sorry for the player, but then you just process like, ‘Who’s up next?’” Hoyer said before Wednesday’s against the Phillies. “You have to move on quick mentally. It sounds cold-hearted, but that’s the nature of the job. The games go on, you have to find replacements.”

Hoyer pondering Plan B options for the pitching staff

“There’s opportunities being created for guys,” Counsell added. “Through this process, we’re going to find some guys that are going to help us this year, and so that’s how you’ve got to look at it. That’s a great thing. That’s a positive out of all this.

“The schedule’s not gonna stop. We gotta find ways to come up with new guys and come up with real options. Hopefully, some of those guys can step up.”

One of those “new guys” could be the still-available free agent Lucas Giolito, who is reportedly drawing attention from a few teams, notably the Cubs and San Diego Padres. But the veteran right-hander would need at least a month to be competition ready and, even then, many are not sold on his full-season viability as a rotation piece.

Whatever Hoyer and the Cubs decide, they probably will have to decide it now rather than cross their fingers for a fortunate injury-free rest of the way to the trade deadline.

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The Chicago Cubs are facing an unexpected dilemma within their pitching staff—and, no, it’s not just the rash of injuries washing over the pitching corps. This one is actually a pretty good problem to have.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman sounds off on team character

Shota Imanaga has been killing it so far this season while working under a qualifying offer contract with free agency looming at the end of the baseball year.

The issue arises in the fact that the Cubs seemed fine with walking away from the Japanese southpaw after declining their three-year, $57.75 million club option on him over the offseason and eventually settling on a one-year $22 million deal for 2026.

After a stellar 2024 rookie season, Imanaga’s effectiveness cratered in 2025 before dropping alarmingly at the end of the year.

He never quite got back on track after an early-May hamstring injury, the first lower-body injury of his career. By the end of the season, he was getting hit hard, giving up 20 of his 31 home runs in his final 12 starts and posting a 6.51 ERA in the month of September.

In the playoffs, Imanaga continued the downward trajectory, posting an 8.10 ERA in two shortened outings versus the Padres and Brewers. He also clearly fell out of manager Craig Counsell’s circle of trust and was bypassed on his last scheduled start in the NLDS.

From afterthought to key ingredient

More News: Chicago Cubs’ red-hot prospect is making his case for a call-up

As the 2026 season approached, Imanaga looked more like an afterthought than a crucial part of the starting rotation. The vibe given off was that the team would be happy with whatever they could get from the 32-year-old.

However, with Cade Horton suffering a season ending elbow injury and Matthew Boyd suffering a season-stalling left biceps issue, Imanaga is being counted on to deliver as a front-of-rotation starter.

So far, he’s delivered.

Wednesday’s 11-2 win over the Phillies in Philadelphia featured a gem of an outing from Imanaga, as he set personal records of 11 strikeouts and 26 whiffs over 6 innings with only one earned run allowed. The outing is coming right after Friday’s no-hit, no-run 6-inning masterpiece against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

Excluding a rocky Opening Weekend performance against the Nationals, he’s been lights out with a 1.06 ERA over three starts and 17 innings, notching 24 strikeouts over the stretch of time.

Imanaga: Crucial this year and beyond?

His continued success is now crucial to the success of a beleaguered pitching staff and, also, to a Cubs team with championship aspirations.

And with the reality setting in that nobody knows what’s in the future for Horton or, for that matter, with the returning Justin Steele, who’s recovering from his own elbow surgery last year, keeping Imanaga for a few extra years should be a real consideration.

The Cubs are historically not go-getters when it comes to bidding wars for their outgoing free agent talent—and a fully actualized Imanaga will draw plenty of interest from other teams. But, if he continues on this current pace, they may have to make an exception when it comes to trying to keep the southpaw in Chicago.

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Earlier this month Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins was thought to be a call up candidate due to injuries in the organization’s big league rotation. He ultimately was not brought up following Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd being sidelined, and instead the team has gotten creative with their pitching.

Most recently, the team used Riley Martin as an opener followed by Colin Rea in bulk relief. They also have utilized Javier Assad, who pitched 5.2 scoreless innings his first start, but then was hammered for nine runs his second time out.

Unfortunately, the team can no longer view Wiggins as an option in the short-term, as he has been placed on the injured list with an elbow injury. The move was announced on April 15, though his last game appearance came on April 4, leaving him with just two outings on the season.

Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins lands on injured list with elbow injury

According to Meghan Montemurro, Wiggins has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation. The early outlook is relatively encouraging, as he is expected to simply need some rest. Still, given the organization’s recent history with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, it’s hard not to immediately fear the worst, especially how just one week ago when he was pulled from his start the organization stated “we are being strategic with how we deploy our pitching.“

Right now, Justin Steele is on the mend from Tommy John surgery performed a year ago. Horton, is slated to undergo surgery on Thursday April 16 and Porter Hodge on Monday, April 20.

For now, the Cubs will hope Horton’s elbow injury remains minor rather than a sign of something more serious. Even with a positive initial prognosis, elbow issues always carry a high level of caution, especially for young pitchers. The next steps in Wiggins’ recovery will be closely monitored, as Chicago looks to ensure this doesn’t develop into a longer-term concern.

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The Chicago Cubs signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million deal, not only for his glove and his bat, but also for the intangibles the three-time All-Star brings to the team.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ red-hot prospect is making his case for a call-up

Chief among those intangibles is a reputation as a team leader and as a positive veteran influence in the clubhouse.

Both of those attributes were on display Tuesday evening as the 32-year-old 11-year MLB veteran assured members of the media that the best is yet to come from the “high-character” but still-underachieving 8-9 Cubs.

Bregman expresses faith in Cubs’ character

More News: Why are Chicago Cubs extension bros—PCA and Nico—going in alarmingly different directions?

“Obviously the season hasn’t started the way we want to start it, but [a] bunch of high character guys that are going to figure it out, and guys with good pedigree to get us rolling,” Bregman told reporters following Tuesday’s feel-good 10-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. “Today was a big step in the right direction.”

“I think this is a good group of guys,” Bregman added, after his own 3-for-5, 3 RBI day. “I mean, the guys have come in from day one of spring training, ready to compete, ready to get after it, extremely motivated.

“…it’s a mature group…Obviously, I don’t think anyone’s really felt like they’re at the top of their game, really, to start the season, but it’s a bunch of guys who know how to compete and know how to get the most out of it, even when they’re not feeling good.

“We’ll get this thing rolling and we’ll get guys locked in and be right where we need to be.”

Building a “high-character” team was clearly the goal of Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer when he began constructing this roster and it’s been something the team, as a whole, seems to take pride in.

“We never quit,” 2026 edition?

After a 5-0 comeback win against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field this past Sunday, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon was quick to point out that the belief in the dugout, throughout, was that they’d
finish the day with a “W.”

“I never saw our guys waver or falter today,” Taillon told media after the 7-6 victory. “It would have been easy going down 5-0 and just kind of be like ‘welp, let’s go on the road we got swept’, it was just a really cool vibe and energy today where I thought everyone was picking each other up, guys passing the baton to each other as the game went.”

Character, alone, won’t be enough to get the Cubs to a championship. The offense, for example, has to start executing and putting runs on the board consistently. The pitching staff, meanwhile, has to reverse course on this recent run of injuries and start being more all-around consistent as well.

However, character DOES take an already sound team to that next level of success. That’s what the Cubs are banking on and that’s what Bregman feels about this current Cubs crew. Chicago is going to be better and play better, it’s just a matter of holding on to self-belief through the rough patches.

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The Chicago Cubs, despite a big 10-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, are still not where they’d like to be at this time, both in terms of performance and results. Currently last in the NL Central Division with an 8-9 record, the team needs to make changes, especially to spark some more offense.

More News: Why are Chicago Cubs extension bros—PCA and Nico—going in alarmingly different directions?

The problem is that there’s no obvious place where they could make those changes on the roster. All positions have been won and are accounted for, as is DH. It would be tough to find a spot that would—or could—benefit from an in-house change right now.

The only exception to that is, possibly, right field, which is presumed to belong to Seiya Suzuki now that he’s back from his knee injury. And, even then, it’s doubtful that the Cubs would move the Japanese star from his spot just five games into his season.

So, all of that begs the question of what to do with Kevin Alcantara, who is absolutely raking in Iowa.

Kevin Alcantara is on fire

More News: Chicago Cubs urged to explore addition of recently DFA’d former All-Star pitcher

The 23-year-old outfielder has been murdering the ball at Triple-A so far this season and hit two more home runs yesterday in a game against the Columbus Clippers. On the season, the lanky 6-foot-6 right-handed bat has 7 home runs and 13 RBIs in 14 games and 51 at bats.

This is obviously not a pace that he’s going to keep up over the long haul of the season, but this sudden burst of hard contact—along with a walk rate hovering around 12%—at this stage of his development is worth watching, despite a still-elevated strikeout rate of 34.5%

Alcantara came to the Cubs from the New York Yankees organization in 2021, along with pitching prospect Alexander Vizcaino, in the trade that shipped off Anthony Rizzo amid Jed Hoyer’s great talent purge of 2021.

The young asset, himself, seems to be quite aware of the weight of the trade and how he needs to live up to the faith the Cubs organization placed in him.

“He’s a legendary Chicago Cubs player but I need to show that they made the right trade,” Alcantara recently told The Des Moines Register. “I need to show it’s a good trade…I need to show one day I can win a championship for the team.”

After four full seasons in the Cubs farm system, there are still mixed feelings on the toolsy native of the Dominican Republic.

His ranking on the big board of MLB prospects places him in the No. 41–66 range on most Top 100 lists, although last season he fell off some of them as several analysts believed that his development had stagnated.

This season, however, he’s come out red-hot and is justifying his placement as no. 3 prospect in the Cubs organization.

What’s best for Alcantara—and the Cubs?

The question is whether he’s better served at Triple-A, playing every day, or in the majors as a fourth outfielder getting a small handful of at bats per week.

One thing is for sure, though. Chicago is hoping that Alcantara’s hot streak isn’t just an early-season fluke and that he’s finally living up to his full potential as a multi-tool weapon.

With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki eligible to become free agents at the end of this season, the Cubs will need a capable impact outfielder to make up for the loss of one or both veterans.

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Earlier this year the Chicago Cubs were dealt a series of injury blows to their starting rotation. They began the year with Justin Steele on the injured list, but then saw Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd get injured as well, with Horton slated to miss the entire season.

Chicago Cubs lose Ethan Roberts due to freak finger injury

According to a publication by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Roberts lacerated his finger on a vent during a workout at the ballpark. He was doing a medicine ball routine when a vent came loose. Rather than allow the vent to hit his leg, Robert’s acted on instinct and the vent struck his long finger instead.

Roberts, who has three scoreless appearances for Chicago this year, now will begin his road to recovery  on the injured list as he allows his finger to recover.

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Before the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, there was a build up to that season featuring the making of the roster. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer went to work to land top talent via trade and the draft, including star prospect Kris Bryant.

Bryant was drafted by the Cubs No. 2 overall in the 2013 MLB Draft after a very successful college season. He was considered one of the best hitters and safest picks in that draft by many analysts. After tearing up the minor leagues and having good spring trainings with the Cubs, and was poised to make the big league roster in 2015.

But Chicago sent him to the minor leagues, as many believed service time was the biggest reason. If Bryant were to play 12 days in the minors before getting the call up to the majors, the Cubs would receive another year of club control. It felt like that was exactly what they were doing although many saw that Bryant was ready. At the time, the Cubs face criticism.

Bryant didn’t really speak on the issue back then. But now, appearing on the newest Cubs-related podcast with former teammates, he’s ready to open up.

Kris Bryant understands why the Chicago Cubs kept him off the Opening Day roster

During the latest episode of “The Lovable Reunion” podcast, hosts Anthony Rizzo and David Ross interview Bryant about his time with the Cubs. The question about the service time issue was brought up. And for Byrant, he totally understood why at the time.

“I got nothing but respect for Theo and Jed and for everyone involved,” Bryant said. “If I was in their position I would’ve done the same thing … I love how they treated me, my whole time there.”

Kris Bryant on service time grievance with the Cubs:

“I got nothing but respect for Theo and Jed and for everyone involved. If I was in their position I would’ve done the same thing … I love how they treated me, my whole time there.”

(@LovableReunion) pic.twitter.com/mYzcXwqbjX

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 14, 2026

Hearing that straight from Bryant’s mouth was pretty neat. Even if it was years after the whole thing happened.

It sounds like Bryant didn’t have any hard feelings about that situation and even mentioned how the media may have blown it out of proportion. It worked out for both sides in this situation as well.

The post Kris Bryant addresses service time issue with Chicago Cubs as a rookie appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs spent some serious money this offseason to not only stock this 2026 crew, but to also secure a core nucleus to a team possibly set to lose many of its veteran assets to free agency.

More News: Chicago Cubs urged to explore addition of recently DFA’d former All-Star pitcher

The biggest offseason money move involved the 5-year, $175 million signing of three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. The team also signed four veteran free agent relievers to help restock a depleted bullpen.

Then, just as the season began, two more major expenditures were announced—the contract extensions of center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and second baseman Nico Hoerner.

The 24-year-old Crow-Armstrong was signed to a 6-year, $115 million deal, which will keep him a Cub through the 2032 season. The 28-year-old Hoerner, meanwhile, also agreed to a 6-year extension. His deal is worth $141 million.

The extensions were met with enthusiasm from fans and there really hasn’t been too much second guessing when it comes to the Cubs’ investment in their future. Both are regarded as key components of the team and essential pieces to establishing a championship presence.

So far this year, though, the two recently-extended North Siders have gone in wildly different directions after their windfalls.

PCA is struggling

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman finding a balance, not being Kyle Tucker

Crow-Armstrong has struggled this year, extending the struggles he suffered through in the second half of last season. The young talent is currently hitting a weak .203 with an alarming .239 OBP. Most troubling, though, is that he has just two extra base hits all season—a home run and a double. As of Tuesday, he’s on a 2-for-21 run at the plate.

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation recently crunched the numbers and came to the conclusion that the free-swinging PCA is way beyond free-swinging right now.

Per Cerami:

“Pete Crow-Armstrong has a few stray positive stats, but mostly I’m just concerned about the 48.3% out-of-zone swing rate. We all know he’s a free swinger, but 48.3% is high even for him. In fact, it’s the 2nd highest in baseball among qualified players. He does have a solid enough zone contact rate, though. So that’s good. But he’ll have to make some better swing decisions if he wants to raise the quality of his contact and start producing at even league-average levels, let alone the star levels we’ve seen from him in the past.”

Hoerner is a “stud”

Nico Hoerner, on the other hand, has been an even better version of his best self after securing his Cubs future.

Also, per Cerami:

“Nico Hoerner is a freakin’ stud. His 98.5% zone-contact rate is the top mark in MLB, and his swinging strike rate is one of the lowest in the game. But with slightly fewer swings on balls out of the zone and a little more passivity overall, he’s been able to take more walks than usual. Throw in a 30.8% line drive rate and a 38.5% flyball rate (both career bests by a lot), and it’s not difficult to see where he’s getting the additional pop, too.”

It’s obviously still very early in the season to make any real assessments regarding PCA and Hoerner. But it’s totally possible that the early performance of these recently extended Cubs has a lot to do with their respective personalities.

The consistent, always cool Hoerner is bolstered and emboldened by the end of contract concerns and is going about his business accordingly.

On the other hand, the more emotional and adrenaline-driven Crow-Armstrong could be pressing too hard, swinging too freely to make something happen and justify his extension.

This is all just conjecture, of course, but it’s something to watch as the season advances.

The post Why are Chicago Cubs extension bros—PCA and Nico—going in alarmingly different directions? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs suffered major setbacks in their starting rotation less than two weeks into a 2026 season where big things were expected.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman finding a balance, not being Kyle Tucker

24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton, hot off a shocking 2025 that saw him finish as a runner-up to Rookie of the Year, went down in his second start of the year. After initially being shelved due to “right forearm discomfort,” further tests revealed an elbow injury that would require season-ending surgery.

Right after that gut punch, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was placed on the IL with a left biceps strain and a timetable for a full return that’s still up in the air.

Rotation replacement Colin Rea and Javier Assad were called into the backup starter roles way earlier than expected. Assad has been hot and cold in his two starts so far this year, delivering 5.2 scoreless, one-hit innings in his first appearance against the Rays and then, most recently, getting shellacked in a 9-run, 4.2 inning outing against the Phillies. Rea, meanwhile, was very good in his only start so far, allowing one run in 5 innings against the Rays.

With Assad and Rea in the rotation, the Cubs are using up their two best backup starter options, right off the bat. And with the recovering Justin Steele still maybe about two months away from returning, at best, and Ben Brown working through his own issues, Chicago suddenly finds itself desperate for starter-capable arms.

Atlanta Braves make Martin Perez available

More News: Chicago Cubs: Top prospect Ballesteros has been ballin’

That’s why the Atlanta Braves’ recent decision to designate veteran Martin Perez for assignment caught the eye of so many analysts and Cubs fans.

The decision to DFA the 35-year-old lefty was considered an odd one by many observers, who noted the Braves’ own starting rotation issues and Perez’s solid performance so far this year—3.14 ERA in three appearances (two starts). But, apparently, schedule-related planning and incoming pitching help made Perez an unnecessary roster-filler at this point.

Perez as back-of-rotation insurance?

Whatever the case, the Cubs have already been mentioned as a team that could have interest in the 15-year veteran. And why wouldn’t they? Although Perez has had injury and consistency issues—explaining his bouncing around five teams in five years—he’s still a viable back-of-rotation option who has, even at his very worst, not been all that horrible. Sometimes, he’s been quite good, like in 2022 when he made the All-Star team and posted a 2.89 ERA over 32 starts and 196.1 innings. On the Cubs, he could settle in as a long-relief option/rotation insurance, playing the role that Rea and Assad were slated to play at the start of this season.

The still-available Lucas Giolito is an overall better pitcher than Perez, but his contractual demands are reportedly high and he would also require at least a month of spring training-like live action before he’s rotation-ready. Perez, however, could be dropped right into the 26-man roster and start pitching immediately.

It’s definitely something for the Cubs to look into. They’ll have competition, though, as several other teams with similar starting pitching needs may try to claim him off waivers as well.

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The Chicago Cubs didn’t get a solid pitching performance from right-hander Javier Assad and the bullpen. Assad allowed nine earned runs in 4.1 innings, and left-hander Charlie Barnes allowed three (four total) in 3.0 innings.

Due to injuries in the starting rotation, left-hander Riely Martin will start on Tuesday as the opener. Manager Craig Counsell will likely use right-hander Colin Rea as the bulk arm after Martin.

Since the bullpen is taxed, and Martin is starting, the Cubs made a roster move to add another arm.

The Chicago Cubs add another arm to the bullpen

According to Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, the Cubs are calling up left-hander Luke Little from Triple-A Iowa. Little, 25, has pitched in parts of three seasons with the Cubs and has gone 3-1 with a 2.80 ERA in 39 games.

More News: Chicago Cubs outright 27-year-old outfielder to Triple-A

The Cubs are calling up @IowaCubs LHP Luke Little from Triple-A. Little has pitched parts of the previous three seasons in Chicago.

— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 14, 2026

In five games with the Iowa Cubs, Little is 3-0 with a 4.70 ERA and nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings. In two games in 2025, Little had six walks in 2.2 innings. 

The Cubs’ bullpen has been dealing with injuries as of late, with right-handers Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey the latest two to hit the injured list.

Little will be the Cubs’ third lefty available in the bullpen on Tuesday. Left-handers Caleb Thielbar and Holby Milner will also be available for Counsell. Since Little is the “freshest” arm coming out of the bullpen, he might get called to get left-handed hitters Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper out.

Birch also reports that left-handsr Ryan Rolison will also be joining the Cubs roster. Rolison was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox in January.

The Cubs are also calling up @IowaCubs LHP Ryan Rolison from Triple-A. Rolison made 31 appearances in the big leagues last season with the Rockies.

— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 14, 2026

Rolison, 28, appeared in 31 games with the Colorado Rockies in 2025 and had a 7.02 ERA. In five games with the Iowa Cubs, Rolison had a 3.68 ERA. Rolison, like Little, will also offer an effective lefty weapon out of the bullpen.

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The Chicago Cubs will maintain their outfield depth, as outfielder Dylan Carlson will join the Iowa Cubs. According to the Cubs transactions page, Carlson cleared outright waivers on Tuesday after getting designated for assignment on Friday.

Carlson played in three games for the Cubs this season and didn’t collect a hit, and struck out twice.

The 27-year-old signed a minor league contract in the offseason with the Cubs and made the Opening Day roster.

The Chicago Cubs retaining Dylan Carlson could help them down the road

Despite going back down to Triple-A, Carlson will continue to provide the Cubs with outfield depth. Carlson can play all three outfield positions and is a switch-hitter, which benefits him at the plate.

The Cubs outfield consist of: left fielder Ian Happ (four-time Gold Glove winner), center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (2025 Gold Glove winner), and right fielder Seiya Suzuki.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong signs with New Balance

Outfielder Michael Conforto has been the fourth outfielder for the Cubs and has done well in his role. Through 11 games, Conforto is hitting .286 with a .825 OPS.

With the outfield rotation locked in for manager Craig Counsell, Carlson will need to maintain his readiness if one of them goes down with an injury. In his seven seasons in the big leagues, Carlson hit .233 with a .682 OPS and 43 home runs in 570 games. 

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, As the Chicago Cubs season continues to roll on here in April, the team is still trying to find its ground. Coming off a big offseason in which they added Alex Bregman and extended Pete Crow-Armstrong, the team has high hopes for this season.

On Tuesday, Crow-Armstrong made a big decision in terms of his future as he has officially signed with the New Balance Baseball family.

Pete Crow-Armstrong joins New Balance family

New Balance announced today the signing of breakout center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong, welcoming the 24‑year‑old star to the New Balance family. As one of baseball’s most electric young talents, Pete embodies the spirit, creativity, and dedication that continues to define New Balance’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes around the world. His dynamic play, work ethic, and authentic personality make him a perfect fit for the brand as it expands its roster of influential baseball athletes.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Pete attended Harvard‑Westlake High School where as a junior, he was named the Los Angeles Times Player of the Year. In 2023, Pete was named the 2023 MiLB Defensive Player of the Year Pete and made his Major League debut. Then in 2024,he went 23-for-23 in stolen base attempts, the second-most consecutive successful stolen base attempts to begin a season by any rookie since 1951.

In 2025, he was voted a starting outfielder for the National League All‑Star team, earned his first career Gold Glove Award, and secured a spot on the 2025 All‑MLB Second Team. Pete capped his remarkable 30‑30‑30 season finishing with 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases, and 37 doubles – solidifying his status as one of baseball’s most complete and exciting performers.

“Working with New Balance is a big moment for me,” said New Balance athlete Pete Crow‑Armstrong. “They’ve always championed athletes in a meaningful way, and I’m proud to represent a brand that believes in my journey both as a player and as a person.”

“Pete is redefining what it means to be a modern outfielder with his athleticism and energy,” said Evan Zeder, New Balance Senior Director of Sports Marketing, Baseball. He is one of baseball’s most compelling young stars in the game right now and we’re thrilled to have him join the family.”

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The struggles continued for the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Starter Javier Assad went 4.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and nine earned runs in the 13-7 loss to the Phillies.

He was hit hard and often in this game and it was clear he just didn’t have his stuff.  His outing included former Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber hitting two home runs in the first three innings.  For the Cubs, these struggles have to be frustrating and this is not how they wanted to get the series off. That’s especially the case after they lost two of three against the Pittsburgh Pirates without Paul Skenes pitching.

Now, on Tuesday the Cubs are turning to an opener to try and figure some things out due to injuries.

Chicago Cubs turn to Riley Martin for the start

The 39-year-old Martin was called up last week and has appeared in three games, not allowing a run in the 3.1 innings pitched. He’s been good in his limited role and now will get the chance to start on Tuesday.

Per Taylor McGregor, the Cubs are turning to Martin to get the start against the Phillies.

Riley Martin will start tomorrow for the #Cubs.

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 14, 2026

It’s assumed that Martin will work the first inning or so before turning the ball over to another pitcher. It makes sense for Colin Rea to be that next guy after he pitched last Thursday in Tampa Bay. Rea was solid, allowing just one run and two hits in five innings.

We will see how this works out for the Cubs but with Matthew Boyd on the IL and Cade Horton out for the year, the Cubs have had to make adjustments. But it won’t be easy going against this Phillies lineup.

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The Chicago Cubs are struggling out of the gate this season, being last in the NL Central with a 7-8 record. They are now also dealing with injuries to the pitching staff. After a week of not being able to turn things around, one outlet has them positioned lower than usual on their power rankings. Let’s take a closer look at where they fell to and why this happened.

The Chicago Cubs fall to 15th in Bleacher Report’s power rankings

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote the MLB power rankings and had the Cubs falling to 15th. Chicago went 3-3 on the week, winning two of three in Tampa Bay against the Rays and then losing two of three at home to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Reuter explained why he is not too concerned with the team’s slow start and injuries.

“The Cubs needed a late rally to avoid getting swept by the Pirates at home, but their first comeback victory of the season could provide a nice shot in the arm. Losing Cade Horton for the year was a major blow last week, but the club does have an in-house replacement in former All-Star Justin Steele who is expected to return from his own Tommy John surgery at some point in the first half.”

Not only did they drop two spots, but the Cubs also fell out of ‘Tier 3’ into ‘Tier 4’. Below are the teams in the fourth tier in order of their power rankings:

• Boston Red Sox
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Chicago Cubs
• Texas Rangers
• Detroit Tigers
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Seattle Mariners
• Los Angeles Angels

The Cubs need to find ways to improve at the plate as they currently rank 24th with a .658 team OPS with runners in scoring position. They will need to figure out how to get going if they want to climb the power rankings.

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The Chicago Cubs travel to Philadelphia to play a three-game series on Monday and received great news regarding left-hander Matthew Boyd. Boyd has been on the 15-day injured list since April 3 with a left biceps strain.

According to manager Craig Counsell via Marquee Sports Network, Boyd will pitch with their Triple-A affiliate (Iowa) later this week. Counsell added that the All-Star will rejoin the team during their series with the Phillies next week at Wrigley Field.

More News: Chicago White Sox-Blue Jays trade sees versatile infielder head north

Boyd hasn’t been off to the best start, 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts. The 35-year-old is coming off his best season, making 30+ starts (31) for the first time since 2019, and went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA.

Craig Counsell announced that Matthew Boyd is expected to be active in the Phillies series next week.

He is expected to pitch in Triple-A Iowa later this week. pic.twitter.com/0DJTOfPnWP

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 13, 2026

The Chicago Cubs getting Matthew Boyd back will help stabilize the rotation

Despite Boyd’s struggles, the Cubs’ starting rotation has been good to start the season. The starting staff is fifth in Major League Baseball in ERA (3.17) and 16th in innings pitched (76.2 innings).

The rotation held its collective breath when Boyd went down with his injury, as right-hander Cade Horton also went down. Horton will miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery.

Boyd’s return will help the Cubs rebound from Horton’s injury. Boyd’s presence in the rotation is also valuable, as he and Shota Imanaga are the only left-handers in the starting rotation.

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In 2025, the Chicago Cubs signed Justin Turner to a one-year, $6.0 million deal that included a $4.0 million base salary and a $10 million club option for 2026 with a $2.0 million buyout. Chicago ultimately declined to bring Turner back during the offseason, sending him into free agency, at least until recently.

Former Chicago Cubs veteran Justin Turner signs in Mexican League

At 41 years old, and coming off a 2025 season with the Cubs in a reduced role, where he performed well against left-handers but posted an overall .219/.288/.314 slash line with 18 RBIs, Turner, who announced this himself on Instagram, has opted not to hang up his cleats and will continue his career in the Mexican League. Turner also indicated that he will play for Tijuana Toros.

The move marks the latest chapter in a long and accomplished professional career for Turner, one that has spanned more than a decade in Major League Baseball. While his production dipped in his final MLB season with the Cubs, he still showed value as a situational bat and veteran presence in the clubhouse, especially against left-handed pitching where he remained a reliable option off the bench.

Now heading to the Mexican League, Turner will look to extend his playing days while contributing as a seasoned leader for his new club. For many veteran players, the league has become a place to continue competing at a high level while taking on expanded roles, both on and off the field. Turner’s experience, postseason pedigree, and track record as a consistent hitter give him the chance to make an immediate impact in a new environment.

While his time in MLB may be winding down, Turner’s decision underscores his desire to keep playing the game he’s built his career around, even if it’s in a different setting.

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When the Chicago Cubs made their successful 5-year, $175 million play for free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, they knew exactly what they were looking for.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Top prospect Ballesteros has been ballin’

They were looking for someone who could at least somewhat fill the offensive shoes of outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker while also providing the intangibles that Tucker couldn’t/wouldn’t provide.

In the three-time All-Star, they got a bat that could have impact, but they also got an elite-level defender and established clubhouse leader, as well as a true student of the game. While offense is always a consideration, the Cubs envisioned Bregman as a cornerstone foundation piece to a future winning atmosphere as many of the team’s core veterans could be leaving for free agency at the end of this 2026 season.

So far, the offensive numbers as a whole haven’t been there. He’s hitting just .213 on the season with 2 home runs, although he’s been picking things up (7-for-21 in his last 5 games). However, he did manage to generate some headlines with a wild stat early in the season—in the first 147 pitches he saw this year, he only swung at 2 outside the strike zone.

Bregman finding a balance

More News: Chicago Cubs forced to place another pitcher on the IL, lefty called up from Iowa

Since then, the veteran has been trying to strike a balance between careful pitch selection and aggression. It’s been an internal struggle noted recently by Ken Rosenthal of The Atlantic.

Per Rosenthal:

“Through seven games, Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman had a 3.1 percent chase rate and 31.3 percent swing rate, both unusually low. Bregman through Saturday had raised those rates to 13.2 percent and 37.5 percent, respectively. He wanted to be more aggressive than he was initially, but said it’s a fine line.

If Bregman gets too aggressive, his knack for making contact on even pitches outside the zone will lead to too many easy outs. So, Bregman only wants to swing at pitches on which he can do damage. Wrigley Field, though, presents another variable. On days when the wind is blowing in, Bregman knows he will need to settle for singles and walks.”

Bregman vs. Tucker

Bregman is really just being Bregman—an analytical perfectionist driven by the compulsion to win and to make himself better in the process. When all is said and done, the Cubs fully expect him to be an overall more valuable asset than Tucker was last season.

David Adler of MLB.com assessed the two players as “different but equal” in a 2026 projection piece written in late January:

“Despite being very different types of players, Tucker and Bregman are back to back in Steamer’s WAR projections. Tucker’s skill is pure hitting — he’s projected to be a top-10 bat in the Majors by his 139 wRC+. But Bregman is also a good bat, with a 121 wRC+ projection, and his solid defense at third base makes up the gap.”

Tucker, by the way, is hitting .246 with 2 home runs and 9 RBIs with the Los Angeles Dodgers so far this season.

There’s no indication at all the Cubs are unhappy about the free agent swap.

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The Chicago Cubs came into the 2026 season brimming with confidence and pretty secure in the team they were fielding. So far, however, things haven’t turned out exactly as planned.

More News: Chicago Cubs forced to place another pitcher on the IL, lefty called up from Iowa

The team currently has a 7-8 record and is sitting dead last in the NL Central Division.

Of their many unexpected concerns—multiple injuries within the pitching staff and wide-spread offensive doldrums—Moises Ballesteros’ bat was not very high up on the list of red flags.

As the team’s top prospect coming into the year, great faith was placed on the 22-year-old and his well-earned reputation as a hitting savant of sorts. This was the kid who earned Cubs Minor League Player of the Year recognition in 2023 and 2024, based off his bat alone. Over three separate major league call-ups last season, he hit .298 in 66 plate appearances with an especially impressive .333 average over 39 at bats in September.

Early struggles give way to recent success

More News: Chicago Cubs: Should Counsell take the blame, not Thielbar, for Saturday’s loss?

All of this is why his early struggles at the plate this season (3-for-20, with 8 strikeouts) were such a downer to those—including the Cubs themselves—who figured the Venezuelan to be as much of a sure thing as possible for a rookie.

But as scouts and other experts have told the baseball world, Ballesteros has the potential to be special and is, at the very least, masterful at making adjustments.

Over the last five games, the young asset is 7-for-14 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs against just 1 strikeout. He’s also just been generally looking more in control at the plate. The upward trend has encouraged manager Craig Counsell to bat him higher up in the order.

On Sunday at a hitter-friendly Wrigley Field, he rocked a deep home run to center to put the Cubs within three runs of the Pittsburgh Pirates, helping to initiate a much-needed comeback 7-6 victory.

Hopes are sky-high

Ballesteros, at a short and pudgy 5-foot-8, is most definitely not the kind of athlete the Cubs usually look for in blue-chip prospects, but they’ve shown an immense amount of faith in that bat of his as he’s succeeded at every level of the organization. Even though he’s being shielded somewhat from left-handed pitching so far, it’s clear that they trust that he can handle himself at the big league level.

“He’s been an exceptional hitter,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told members of the media late last season. “That’s the best development for Moisés, really, is that he’s come up to the big leagues and shown everybody what a natural hitter he is, (while being) put in the fire against some tough, tough competition. The rest is a bonus.”

People outside the Cubs organization are also high on him.

In an interview on 104.3 The Score, Cubs beat reporter Bruce Levine passed along a rival scout’s glowing assessment of the all-bat prospect.

“I was talking to a scout who has watched him since he came into major league baseball,” Levine pointed out. “He said…don’t worry about his weight as much as look at him as the baseball athlete he is at this weight. Make sure that the dietary part is good, but don’t ask this guy to lose 20 or 25 pounds, you might lose the pop in his bat if you do that…He’s a believer in Ballesteros and, like me, he believes he’s going to be a middle of the order hitter very soon. He said anywhere from fourth to sixth is where Counsell is going to hit him most of the time. He just believes he’s going to be an RBI machine.”

Chicago is hoping for Ballesteros to come through as expected.

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The Chicago Cubs finally showed some fight Sunday afternoon. They erased a 5–0 deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7–6. In doing so, the Cubs avoided what would have been a demoralizing sweep at Wrigley Field. It was the kind of gritty, late‑game push the Cubs desperately needed. However, it didn’t erase the troubling offensive patterns that defined the entire series.

Starter Jamison Taillon gave up a lead-off home run to O’Neill Cruz to start the game. In the second inning, he served up a grand slam to Brandon Lowe, and the Cubs quickly trailed 5-0. Still, he pitched better afterwards and went six innings.

Meanwhile, the Cubs’ offense once again sputtered with runners in scoring position. The Cubs kept stranding runners in scoring positions, but repeatedly failed to deliver.

But baseball is strange, and sometimes the spark comes from the last place you expect.

With two runners on, Michael Busch, who was benched to start the game after a rough stretch at the plate (0 for 30 the last eight games), delivered a two‑run single to tie the game. It was exactly the kind of swing the Cubs have been missing all week. Moreover, it was exactly the kind of moment Busch needed.

The Cubs loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth. Catcher Carson Kelly came through with a game-winning base hit.

Will this win jump-start the Chicago Cubs anemic offense?

Still, the bigger picture remains complicated. On Saturday’s 4-3 loss, the Cubs went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position. They were better on Sunday, going 5-for 13, but two key hitters in the lineup continue to struggle as Ian Happ went 0-for-5, and Pete Crow‑Armstrong went 0-for-4.

No one can deny Pete Crow‑Armstrong’s immense talent and elite defense. But right now, he is swinging at everything and giving pitchers no reason to challenge him.

Even after losing on Saturday, manager Craig Counsell believed things would eventually turn around. And his faith was rewarded on Sunday. Still, the team’s margin for error is shrinking as the schedule toughens with 7 games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Then the Cubs face the New York Mets at home, and travel to play the Dodgers and Padres to close out April. Can the Cubs’ hitters come through in the clutch against the teams with whom they will compete for the playoff spots in the National League?

Sunday’s comeback was a reminder that the Cubs have the talent and resilience. What they need now is consistency. If Busch’s clutch hit becomes the spark that finally wakes up the entire offense, this win will mean more than just avoiding a sweep. But if they continue to struggle with runners in scoring position, today will feel like a temporary escape rather than a turning point.

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The Chicago Cubs have been forced to put yet another pitcher on the shelf.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Should Counsell take the blame, not Thielbar, for Saturday’s loss?

Sunday morning, it was announced that the Cubs were placing right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey on the 15-day IL (retroactive to April 9) with right triceps inflammation. They’ve called up lefty Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa to fill Harvey’s roster spot.

The Harvey injury is just the latest in a long string of health issues that have besieged the Cubs pitching staff less than three weeks into the regular season.

Another Cubs pitcher on the shelf

More News: Chicago Cubs president on defense over Cade Horton disaster

On April 3, emerging ace Cade Horton was pulled from the second inning of his start with “forearm discomfort” that, upon medical review, turned out to be an elbow injury that requiring season-ending surgery.

Shortly after that horrible news, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd would be placed on the 15-day IL with a left biceps strain. Most recently, reliever Phil Maton was placed on the IL with right knee tendonitis. Chicago also has Justin Steele, Porter Hodge, and Jordan Wicks currently on the IL.

This Hunter Harvey news, however, shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Since being selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 2013 draft, Harvey has been touched by injury in every single season of his professional baseball career. In total, over 13 seasons of minor league and major league play, he’s only pitched an average of less than 35 innings per year. As a major-leaguer, he’s averaged just around 26 innings per season.

In 2025, an assortment of injuries led to him pitching only 10.2 innings for the Kansas City Royals.

All in all, the 31-year-old has had several elbow issues (including Tommy John surgery in 2016), shoulder issues, leg injuries, an oblique strain, and a sports hernia. Now, he can add “right triceps inflammation” to the list of physical woes.

Despite his long history of injury, the Cubs still saw fit to sign him to a one-year, $6 million contract with an option for 2027. When healthy, Harvey has elite-level stuff with a fastball that sits between 96-99 mph and can touch 100 on occasion. Unfortunately, he’s usually not healthy for long.

Signing Harvey this past offseason was considered a roll of the dice by most analysts. If things turned out positively, he profiles well as a closer-type who could serve as backup to current closer Daniel Palencia. The season is still young, so he may eventually come back into the pen and become who the Cubs signed him to be. As of right now, he’s got a 6.75 ERA through 4 appearances as a Cub.

Taking Harvey’s spot…

The 30-year-old Barnes will be taking Harvey’s bullpen spot in the meantime. The former Minnesota Twin was picked up this offseason on a minor league deal after three seasons in the Korean league and one year in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He was 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in 3 appearances with the Iowa Cubs this year.

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The Chicago Cubs come into Sunday’s game at Wrigley Field with the Pittsburgh Pirates firmly in last place in the NL Central with a 6-8 record. They’ll be hoping to salvage at least one game in this crucial early-season divisional series with the surprising first place Bucs.

More News: Chicago Cubs president on defense over Cade Horton disaster

This is definitely not the way most fans and analysts saw this season playing out so far.

Saturday’s 4-3 eleven-inning loss was especially heartbreaking because there was ample opportunity to come away with the win despite a rough early start. Actually, there was some evidence that the team might be snapping out of its doldrums.

Starting pitcher Edward Cabrera didn’t have his best stuff, but ended up delivering 5 innings anyway, with the bullpen subsequently picking up the slack. The offense produced 9 hits and 7 walks. And, despite a frustrating inability to deliver with runners in scoring position, they did muster one key comeback, topped by a ninth-inning RBI single from Alex Bregman to send the game into extra innings.

Then, the eleventh inning happened.

The eleventh-inning blame game

More News: Chicago Cubs rotation rocks as bullpen continues to get rocked

Reliever Caleb Thielbar’s errant throw to Matt Shaw at first base, allowing the winning run to score, has generated most of the blame-game headlines since the flub.

“I’ve been working on that play every single day in catch play…It makes me sick,” Thielbar told reporters after the game. “These guys battled back. Cabby gave us five innings with not his best stuff. He gave us a chance to win…It just makes me sick to throw it away on a play like that.”

To be fair, though, the lefty’s poor throw wouldn’t have been a game-decider if manager Craig Counsell hadn’t committed a major tactical error earlier.

Counsell had pinch-hit catcher Carson Kelly for the slumping Michael Busch in the seventh inning—and then kept Kelly in to play first base. He then pinch ran for Kelly in the ninth, bringing in Matt Shaw, who took over at first base.

Up until Saturday’s game, Shaw had never played first base at any level of pro or college ball and only made two appearances at the position in spring training. His inability to handle Thielbar’s throw in the eleventh was to be expected.

While Thielbar’s throw was bad, Michael Busch likely would’ve caught the ball off the bounce or at least kept it in front of him to prevent the run scoring. Probably any real, experienced first baseman would’ve done the same.

Counsell only playing the cards dealt to him?

In somewhat defense of Counsell, though, there was nobody left to put at first at that point of the game. To try and get the offense going, he pinch-hit for the slumping Busch because he felt that was his best bet. Then, he pinch ran Shaw for the slower Kelly to try and get a crucial run home. Ultimately, Counsell can only play with the team provided to him.

So, maybe the blame shifts to the front office for not getting Counsell another true first baseman after Busch backup Tyler Austin got hurt?

Whatever the case, the Cubs will be back at it and will keep trying to turn things around.

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The Chicago Cubs hitting woes have led to two straight losses to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field this weekend.

More News: Craig Counsell unloads after loss to Pirates

The Cubs have put up three total runs in 20 innings against the Pirates. Saturday’s loss dropped Chicago to 6-8 on the season. The Cubs are now down three games to Pittsburgh for the No. 1 spot in the NL Central.

The Cubs revealed their starting lineup against the Pirates for Sunday’s game.

Matt Shaw will get the start at first base. Michael Busch, who batted second for Chicago on Saturday, will be benched amid a slow start.

Busch is hitting .118, .220, .157 through 14 games and 51 at-bats this season. He’s earned six hits and six runs.

The Sunday crew.

Watch the game live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/cqrTY46QXb

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 12, 2026

The Chicago Cubs hope to make a turnaround on offense

More News: Shota Imanaga on Craig Counsell’s controversial decision

Following the loss to the Pirates on Saturday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he thinks the offense will turn things around soon.

“Yeah, I mean, look, it’s gonna turn, it’s gonna happen,” Counsell said. “It’s no fun, right now, when it doesn’t happen, and when you feel like you have a ton of opportunities and can’t, you know, can’t get a run across.

“It’s gonna turn. And you know that’s, that’s the way you got to look at it.  It’s, obviously, you know, you miss opportunities as the hitter, and you’re, you know, mad at yourself. And you know you wanted to want the pitch back, but it’ll turn.”

In the meantime, Counsell is trying to make a change to jumpstart the offense before Game 3 on Sunday.

Shaw is hitting .237, .293, .397 this season through 13 games and 38 at-bats. He’s earned nine hits and scored three runs.

The Cubs need to earn a win on Sunday to claw back in the NL Central after a slow start this spring. With injuries to the starting rotation, Chicago has squandered good pitching in recent days.

Jameson Taillon will get the start at pitcher for Chicago.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs’ bats are struggling to start the season, hitting just .224 on the year so far. That’s ranked 22nd in MLB through the first few weeks, but still it’s a cause for concern.

With injuries to the starting rotation, the offense will need to carry its weight. Especially after going out and extending Pete Crow-Armstrong as well as signing a big bat in Alex Bregman. Some help is here, however.

One of the bats missing from the Cubs’ lineup is Seiya Suzuki. He was injured during the World Baseball Classic and missed the first 12 games of the 2026 season due to that injury. Suzuki made his return in Friday’s 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates but it was good seeing him out there.

However, the Cubs have a plan for Suzuki and we likely won’t see him everyday in the lineup.

Craig Counsell reveals his plan for Seiya Suzuki

In his return, Suzuki got the start in right field and was hitting fifth in the Cubs lineup. He went 1-for-3 with a walk in that spot as the Cubs offense mustered no runs on six hits against the Pirates. But it was what was said before the game that is getting the attention.

Manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Suzuki will not play every day upon his return to the team on Friday. Instead, the Cubs will ease him into things to begin.

Seiya Suzuki will not play everyday on his return ,per Craig Counsell.

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) April 10, 2026

The Cubs do have some options with the lineup, as they can play Suzuki as a DH in some games. They could also have him start two of the three in series to ease him in just a little bit. Matt Shaw has had a hot bat to start the season with his power, giving the Cubs another option.

It will be interesting to see how Counsell manages this especially if the bats keep struggling.

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A day after the Chicago Cubs were shut out 2-0, the offense managed to score just three runs in 11 innings in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

More News: Shota Imanaga on Craig Counsell’s controversial decision

The Cubs were not without chances to score in extra innings. Chicago had the bases loaded in the tenth inning. The Cubs had a man at second and third with no outs in the 11th inning.

However, the Cubs failed to bring anyone home, and they lost the second game of a three-game series to the Pirates in front of a frustrated crowd of 34,049 fans at Wrigley Field.

Chicago managed just nine hits in 11 innings.

Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell hope things turn around

During his postgame news conference, Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted that it’s no fun in the clubhouse right now. But he believes things will turn in the Cubs’ direction.

“Yeah, I mean, look, it’s gonna turn, it’s gonna happen,” Counsell said, via Marquee Sports Network. “It’s no fun, right now, when it, when it doesn’t happen, and when you feel like you have a ton of opportunities and can’t, you know, can’t get a run across.

“It’s gonna turn. And you know that’s, that’s the way you got to look at it.  It’s, obviously, you know, you miss opportunities as the hitter, and you’re, you know, mad at yourself. And you know you wanted to want the pitch back, but it’ll turn.”

"It's gonna turn, it's gonna happen."

Craig Counsell is confident the Cubs will turn the corner offensively. pic.twitter.com/7F43cfXDPs

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 11, 2026

With the loss, the Cubs dropped to 6-8 on the season. They’re three games behind the Pirates for first place in the NL Central.

With numerous injuries to the pitching rotation, Chicago is wasting good outings on the mound with an underwhelming offense, supposedly the strength of the team. The sluggish start for the offense is a cause for concern.

The Cubs will host the Pirates for Game 3 of the series on Sunday at 1:20 p.m. CT.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs will be without 24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton for the rest of this season and well into the next.

More News: Chicago Cubs rotation rocks as bullpen continues to get rocked

In a worst case scenario for what was initially thought to be precautionary second-inning removal from a start, the Cubs’ 2022 no. 1 draft pick will have to undergo elbow surgery.

That’s some seriously tough news for a team that was counting on the young right-hander to play a big part in the team’s push for a championship this year. It also doesn’t bode well for hopes that Horton would be a building block for a future Cubs winning environment.

Realistically, this is not exactly an unforeseen situation. Horton has had injury and durability issues since he began pitching in college.

Horton’s surgery, Wiggins’ sore arm

More News: Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect pulled for arm issues, per insider

In 2021, while still a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, Horton had Tommy John surgery, which cost him more than a year of his very early career. When he came back, he was brilliant, striking out 13 over 7.1 innings in the title game of the College World Series.

With just 53.2 college innings under his belt, the Cubs raised some eyebrows by drafting him no. 1 with their overall seventh pick in 2022. And although he rose quickly in the Cubs’ organization, injury and durability remained concerns. In 2024, he was shut down in late May with a right subscapularis shoulder strain.

Last season, necessity brought him up to the majors and he came through in a big way, especially after the All-Star break when he went 8-1 and posted an incredible 1.03 ERA in twelve starts. In that stretch of time, he was, arguably, the best pitcher in all of baseball before being shut down for the season in late September with a fractured rib.

On the heels of this Horton bad news was the recent acknowledgment that the Cubs’ current top pitching prospect and 2023 no. 2 draft pick Jaxon Wiggins is being watched and rested due to having a “sore arm.” The 24-year-old Wiggins is another Cubs prospect acquired with a Tommy John surgery in his recent past.

This has to raise the issue of why the Cubs—and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, specifically—have targeted recently rebuilt arms to be their top pitching draft picks in back-to-back years.

Jed Hoyer on the defensive

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Hoyer came out sounding pretty defensive when talking about Horton’s injury.

“Guys are throwing 96, 97 (mph) with great stuff,” Hoyer said before Friday game at Wrigley Field. “You have to let them go pitch. When I look back, I don’t have any thoughts or regrets about how we handled him, because we were so conservative. And, obviously, he broke down, so I just think that is the nature of pitching in 2026.

“When I look back on our progression with him, we didn’t pitch him the year when we drafted him. In ’23, we could not have been more conservative with how we threw him. Obviously, he spent a lot of time on the IL in ’24. And then last year, we used him, but certainly we were really careful with his pitch counts. We didn’t push him.

“We were unbelievably conservative with him since we drafted him.”

Okay, yes. But there’s still no answer as to why he targeted arms already dealing with significant wear and tear in the first place, especially knowing that a long road to the majors awaited them.

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The Chicago Cubs took a pair of gut punches very early into the 2026 season when injuries immediately cost them the two starters projected to be their most effective rotation pieces.

More News: Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect pulled for arm issues, per insider

24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton was laid out with an elbow injury that would require season-ending surgery. Shortly after that, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was put on the shelf with a left biceps strain that, depending on who one listens to, could involve a tricky timetable for return. And to put a cherry on top of the bad news Cubs sundae, reliever Phil Maton, who was signed to a two-year, $14.5 million contract with expectations of playing a big role in the bullpen, was placed on the 15-day IL with right knee tendonitis.

But Chicago’s starting rotation has not rolled up in a ball of piteous resignation. As a matter of fact, they’ve been killing it so far as a collective unit, even without their ace and co-ace.

Chicago Cubs rotation has been top-tier

More News: Chicago Cubs: Reported Giolito demands make him unlikely Cubs target

As of Saturday morning, the Cubs’ rotation ranks second in baseball when it comes to ERA (2.47). They’re coming off a three-game stretch where they’ve allowed just one earned run and 3 hits in 16.2 innings—and this is with Colin Rea and Javier Assad, the two subs for Horton and Boyd, and Shota Imanaga, who had serious question marks over his head as the season began.

New Cub Edward Cabrera, meanwhile, has been beyond impressive in his early outings, showing true elite-level stuff. He’s yet to allow a run in 11.2 innings.

If the starters can stay healthy the rest of the way and Justin Steele can make a successful return from elbow surgery by mid-season, things look solid.

Jacob Zanolla of Bleacher Nation is one of many to recently bring up the Cubs’ starting pitching excellence in the face of adversity:

“It’s extremely impressive that the Cubs’ rotation has withstood the early trials that this season has presented, a great sign of things to come. Their starting pitchers have an ERA of 2.47, which is the second-best mark in baseball, just seven points behind the New York Yankees. For a team without pitchers such as Horton and Steele, that’s not something that should be taken for granted. We’ve seen the potential of this rotation, which means the next step is finding out whether it can withstand the test of time. The returns of both Boyd and Steele will help exponentially, but the latter is still around two months away from contributing to the rotation.”

As for the bullpen, though? That’s a different story.

Meanwhile, the bullpen…

As a unit, they’ve been struggling and the loss of Maton right now probably won’t play too much of a role in digging a deeper hole. As of Saturday, the Cubs bullpen is ranked 20th in MLB with a 4.47 collective ERA. With the exception of Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner, all of the bullpen regulars have been underperforming.

Manager Craig Counsell and the front office have been wizards at picking up and employing effective relievers on the fly, but that good fortune has to run out eventually. Simply put, the Cubs’ relief corps has to step up and right itself.

For now, however, the pitching isn’t even the most pressing issue facing the 6-7 Cubs. The offense has to wake up and start scoring some runs.

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The first 13 games for the Chicago Cubs, albeit a very small sample size, have been very “meh”. They fell to 6-7 on Friday after a tough 2-0 loss to the Pirates in which a six inning no-hit effort by Shota Imanaga was all for naught. The big bats simply did not come through, despite traffic on the bases all day. An inconsistent offense so far can be attributed to many of the big bats getting off to slow starts.

This includes Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Dansby Swanson. The team’s wRC+ is pretty middle-of-the-road so far (18th), which makes sense, as they have had some good offensive days but also a lot of bad ones.

Some notable Cubs hitters are struggling so far this season:

Bregman: .192 AVG | .603 OPS | 77 wRC+
PCA: .216 AVG | .539 OPS | 55 wRC+
Swanson: .140 AVG | .502 OPS | 54 wRC+
Busch: .125 AVG | .399 OPS | 25 wRC+

Chicago’s 96 wRC+ as a team ranks 18th in MLB. pic.twitter.com/V7N1dqFBpf

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) April 10, 2026

What to make of slow starts for Chicago Cubs

One thing to emphasize, it’s still a pretty small sample size. Ebbs and flows are part of the game, and plenty of players get off to slow starts; it’s not an indictment of what a season will be. Especially when the weather directly impacts games at Wrigley Field. With that said, it would not be ideal to dig a deep hole early in what could be a tough NL Central and making things harder by needing to dig out.

As for these individual players, the back of the baseball cards will say it won’t last. Bregman’s lowest OPS month in his career is March/April (.767), it’s the only month he sports a career sub-.800 OPS. Swanson is a notoriously streaky hitter, and he usually ends up with a .240 average, 100-110 wRC+, and 20 homers by season’s end. Busch has had some close calls on flyballs, where he seems to be off by nanometers. Crow-Armstrong is still young and a bit of an uncertainly. He came into Friday’s game with a 41.9% groundball rate, just not driving the ball.

Something to note is that the Cubs as a team are among the leaders in Hard Hit% (45.3% on Friday afternoon) and Exit Velocity (90.1% on Friday afternoon), both of which are in the top 10 in baseball. They are also among the 10 teams with an expected slug .400 or higher. Both Bregman and Swanson are within the 90+ percentile in Hard Hit%. Hopefully, more consistent results on the scorecard follow.

Sooner rather than later is ideal

While one might now worry they will come around, as mentioned before, it’s just not ideal to dig too deep a hole early. Luckily, the Cubs have gotten offensive contributions from others lately, like Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, and Miguel Amaya. The bats put on a show in the final two games in Tampa Bay, to their credit.

With that said, finding more consistency offensively lies within key bats like Bregman, Crow-Armstrong, and Busch.

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell had to cut bait on Shota Imanaga’s impressive start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

More News: Shota Imanaga on Craig Counsell’s controversial decision

With the game tied 0-0 before the seventh inning, the Cubs pulled Imanaga after 100 pitches in which he surrendered no hits and struck out nine batters.

The Pirates scored two runs in the seventh inning via a home run by right fielder Bryan Reynolds. The Cubs offense had no answers, earning six hits but scoring no runs in a 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh in front of 28,811 fans at Wrigley Field in the first contest of a three-game series.

Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Moises Ballesteros, Matt Shaw, and Dansby Swanson all went hitless with at-bats on Friday.

Chicago Cubs offense is facing heat for shutout loss

Following the loss to Pittsburgh, Cubs fans took to social media to call out the offense for being shutout at home against an NL Central rival.

“Every single positional player on this team not named Nico should be ashamed of themselves,” wrote a fan. “These constant abysmal showings offensively is unacceptable for a team with this payroll. Bregman, Busch, PCA, Swanson, are all basically stealing money from this team at this point.”

“Busch is 2 for 43 and 0 for 27. I’m no GM or a hitting coach, but I’d say that he has no business wearing a major league uniform. That wasn’t even good pitching he was up against. Get. Rid. Of. Him,” argued a fan.

“PCA, Swanson, Bregman are struggling big time Starting pitching has been good but need offense to get going,” posted another.

“Our offense is absolute garbage. If it wasn’t for Nico, we wouldn’t even be hitting .200 as a team,” commented a poster.

“What an embarrassing performance. Wasted a great pitching effort. Are they ever going to be more than a mediocre team this year? Definitely not living up to their potential. It’s going to be a long frustrating season,” posted another.

“I don’t care how “close” Busch is getting, he’s atrocious to start the year. Horrible loss but here comes the “it’s early” gang to reassure Cub fans. At some point soon they gotta get it together offensively period,” believes a fan.

The Cubs are now 6-7, 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Chicago will next play Pittsburgh on Saturday at 1:20 CT.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The bats went cold for the Chicago Cubs on Friday, and the Pittsburgh Pirates earned a 2-0 win in front of 28,811 fans at Wrigley Field.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Brilliant Cabrera loses no-hitter to Conforto flub

The contest was scoreless until the seventh inning when Pirates right fielder Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run home run to score the only runs of the contest.

Right-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar was the losing pitcher, giving up the two-run blast. He replaced Shota Imanaga to start the seventh inning.

Imanaga gave up no hits, gave up one walk, and struck out nine batters through the first six innings. Despite showing no signs of slowing down, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made a controversial decision to pull Imanaga while his offense’s bats couldn’t do anything.

Chicago Cubs chose to pull Shota Imanaga after 100 pitches

During his postgame news conference, Imanaga told reporters that he felt like he could have pitched in what became a disastrous seventh inning.

However, he felt Counsell made the right decision to pull him after reaching 100 pitches. Given the numerous injuries with the rotation, preserving Imanaga’s health might have been more important than trying to win on Friday.

“Maybe I could have gone to the 7th (inning), but regarding Counsell’s decision, I agree with him … I think that was the right decision,” Imanaga said, via Marquee Sports Network.

"Maybe I could have gone to the 7th (inning), but regarding Counsell's decision, I agree with him … I think that was the right decision."

Shota Imanaga on today's start. pic.twitter.com/1KnkRDtu1V

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 10, 2026

In the end, the decision might not have mattered too much. The Cubs needed to score to win the game, and the hits weren’t coming.

Chicago finished the contest with six hits, three more than the Pirates, but they couldn’t bring anyone home.

The Cubs are now 6-7 and at the bottom of the NL Central. They trail the 8-4 Milwaukee Brewers by 2.5 games. Chicago will next play the Pirates in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday at 1:20 PM CT.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are going through a patch of “when it rains, it pours” bad news at the moment.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Reported Giolito demands make him unlikely Cubs target

This past week, emerging 24-year-old ace Cade Horton was put on the shelf with an elbow injury that will require season-ending surgery. Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was placed on the 15-day IL with a left biceps strain. On Friday, reliever Phil Maton was also placed on the IL, suffering from right knee tendonitis.

That’s a crazy stretch of misfortune for the Cubs, especially considering that it’s all happened in a span of about six days.

But, wait, there’s more!

Chicago’s top pitching prospect may join that list of damaged pitchers.

Jaxon Wiggins decision revealed to be arm-related

More News: Could the Chicago Cubs turn to unheralded “wild card” for emergency rotation help?

On Friday, it was revealed by MLB insider Bruce Levine via Twitter/X that 24-year-old Jaxon Wiggins is suffering through his own arm issue.

Per Levine:

“Cubs Jaxson Wiggins is dealing with a sore arm. Jed Hoyer confirmed he is being backed up for now.”

The “sore arm” problem now provides some explanation for the announcement on Thursday that Wiggins was being pulled from his scheduled start on Friday.

Per Tommy Birch, sports reporter for the Des Moines Register:

“Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who was originally slated to start Friday for the
@IowaCubs, is no longer listed in the team’s pitching probables.

Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler to the Des Moines Register: ‘We are being strategic with how we deploy our pitching.’”

And that strategic deployment, apparently, is centered around not throwing Wiggins out there to pitch when his arm is going through some issues.

Cubs playing it safe with Wiggins

The 6-foot-6 fireballer made the climb from Double-A to Triple-A last season, amid plenty of concern regarding his recovery from a 2023 Tommy John surgery and just general fatigue. The Cubs organization has made a concerted effort to limit his innings pitched and keep an eye on the wear and tear on his arm.

He excelled under those watchful eyes in 2025, posting a 2.19 ERA in 78 total innings across three levels, registering a combined 97 strikeouts along the way.

But headlines were made last season when Wiggins was rested for a spell of about a month at Double-A, mid-season, as he dealt with arm soreness and an inability to recover between starts. Questions persisted regarding his long-term durability as a starter.

Those questions will sound significantly louder right now as the Cubs stare down a hobbling of a starting rotation that they once considered to be overflowing with depth.

Most analysts and informed observers weren’t counting on Wiggins to play any real role on this 2026 team, but there was always the remote possibility that he could come up and unexpectedly contribute this season as Cade Horton did in 2025. That likelihood is becoming increasingly slim as doubts arise regarding the health of the young arm.

There’s no doubt that the Cubs organization is doing the right thing by holding Wiggins back right now. There’s no reason to hurt his future, especially when his present may not directly impact the major league club anyway. The kid has a huge upside and is being considered by many as the last chance at a high-end homegrown Cubs starter for awhile.

It’s just kind of tough to cross off one more starting pitching option for a rotation already under immense strain.

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The Chicago Cubs suffered a major blow when they lost 24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton to an elbow injury that will require season-ending surgery. Not too long after that, they got another starting pitching gut punch when Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was placed on the IL with a biceps strain.

More News: Could the Chicago Cubs turn to unheralded “wild card” for emergency rotation help?

With the total loss of Horton and question marks over Boyd, there are calls for the Cubs to grab at anyone who might be able to fill the gap(s). And with limited options inside the organization now, it seems logical that the team may want to reach out to proven starting pitchers currently not signed to any team.

Specifically, the calls are loud for Lucas Giolito.

The 31-year-old righty is still unsigned and is expected to be a highly sought-after asset as starting pitchers begin to fall off for contending teams.

However, some are doubting whether the Cubs will be seriously pursuing the veteran. Others, meanwhile, are flat-out insisting that he’s not the guy the team needs right now.

Giolito, his contract, and whether he’s the right fit

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw’s hot hand creates good drama

Despite a respectable 3.41 ERA over 26 starts for the Red Sox last season, Giolito was shut down prior to the postseason with right elbow soreness. That late-season injury, added to two prior serious elbow issues—one requiring Tommy John surgery in 2012 and the other requiring internal brace surgery in 2024—make him a questionable pickup right now. This concern may actually be the reason he remains an unsigned free agent, especially considering that, as is being reported, he wants more than a one-year deal.

Per MLB insider Bruce Levine on 104.3 The Score:

“Giolito wants a two-year contract and as other teams in Major League Baseball continue to lose starting pitchers his value goes up…

“He had a really good year last year, obviously injury has been a part of his history but when healthy he’s been a very viable pitcher. There’s no reason why the Cubs wouldn’t be one of those teams…Toronto is another, there’s probably two or three others.

As long as Giolito waits, he becomes more attractive to teams, and there’s more viability of him getting more than a one-year deal when you lose a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. There’s just nobody to replace these guys in the minor leagues.”

No sense of urgency right now?

At this point, even if the Cubs did buy into Giolito’s contractual demands, it would be awhile before he was actually brought up to the rotation. The timing may almost bump up against Justin Steele’s slated return in late May or June. And, by then, the team may have a clearer idea of how stable Boyd is post-IL.

At any rate, other more daring (desperate) teams may swoop down and snatch him up before the Cubs can make the call on whether they even want him. If not, the Cubs can then move in and try to grab him on a much more modest deal.

The most likely scenario for Chicago, barring another serious rotation injury, is a continued reliance on Javier Assad and Colin Rea to hold down the fort and a sincere hope that Steele comes back at—or near—full capacity. Then, come trade deadline, they can make the call on whether they have the need to go out and make a deal for an arm.

It’s not what everyone wants to hear, but the best course of action right now may be to just wait and see.

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The Chicago Cubs are 6-6 on the season, making them the only team in the National League Central Division without a winning record. Indeed, it has been an up-and-down season early for Chicago, one that has been marred with numerous injuries to key players.

Most notably, the Cubs recently placed Matthew Boyd, their Opening Day starter, on the injured list. The good news there, though, is that he is not expected to be out long. However, Cade Horton, arguably their best pitcher, is out for the year.

Now, Chicago is scrambling to tread water while their roster stabilizes itself.

The Chicago Cubs DFA Dylan Carlson as Seiya Suzuki returns; Phil Maton placed on IL

Unfortunately, the Cubs are placing another pitcher on the injured list. Phil Maton, who has a 13.50 ERA through five games, is headed to IL with right knee tendonitis:

Cubs relieve Phil Maton placed on the IL with right knee tendinitis. And Dylan Carlson was DFA’d for Seiya Suzuki’s (knee) return. Ethan Roberts called up for Maton.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 10, 2026

As one can see from the Jesse Rogers post above, Chicago has also designated Dylan Carlson for assignment. This move is happening because Seiya Suzuki, who has been out with a knee injury, is returning to the Cubs lineup. Carlson did not record a hit in four at bats with the Cubs this year.

In an effort to replace Maton on the Major League roster, the Cubs are calling up Ethan Roberts. He has already appeared in one game for the Cubs already this year, throwing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

In 41 career games, Roberts is 2-2 and has a 4.91 ERA.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs’ vague explanation for pulling Jaxon Wiggins raises questions
• 3 Cubs position players off to slow starts in 2026
• Could Cubs turn to unheralded “wild card” for emergency rotation help?

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are coming off of a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night. The win helped them improve to 6-6, though they are still in last place of the National League Central Division.

Unfortunately, Chicago faces an uphill battle going forward. While every individual season presents its own challenges, the ones that the Cubs have been faced with early in the 2026 season threaten to derail their World Series aspirations.

Matthew Boyd, their All-Star Opening Day starter is on the injured list. What is worse, Cade Horton, who many consider to be their best pitcher, is out for the year.

And so, on Wednesday, manager Craig Counsell turned to Colin Rea, who pitched five innings of one-run ball and set Chicago up for success.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Colin Rea has been Craig Counsell’s safety net before

Rea, of course, is no stranger to Chicago. Last year, he appeared in 32 games (27 starts) and went 11-7 with a 3.95 ERA. Coming into 2026, the Cubs did not want to use him as a starter, instead moving him to the bullpen as a long reliever.

Now, with two of their best pitchers out (and Justin Steele still working his way back from his own injury), Rea has found himself called upon to help fill the void.

He’s done this for Counsell before.

Back in 2023, Counsell’s last season as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, Rea was not one of their preferred starters either. But Eric Lauer (now on the Toronto Blue Jays) completely lost his control and had to be demoted after his ERA climbed over 6.00.

What is more, two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff suffered the shoulder injury that kept him out of Major League Baseball for nearly two years.

With their rotation suddenly decimated, the Brewers turned to Rea, who had spent the 2022 season pitching in Japan.

In 26 games (22 starts for Milwaukee), he went 6-6 with a 4.55 ERA. Those numbers may not be elite, but they provided stability in a Brewers rotation that needed it.

Now, three years later, Rea is offering that same kind of stability to Counsell again, this time on the Cubs.

Interestingly, Hoby Milner was also on that 2023 Brewers team. He went 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA in 73 games that year. He has a 2.45 ERA through seven games this year.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs’ vague explanation for pulling Jaxon Wiggins raises questions
• 3 Cubs position players off to slow starts in 2026
• Could Cubs turn to unheralded “wild card” for emergency rotation help?

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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It is no secret that the Chicago Cubs could use some reinforcement in their starting rotation. Justin Steele is currently on the mend from Tommy John surgery performed one year ago, Cade Horton is slated to miss the entire season with a torn UCL, and Matthew Boyd landed on the injured list.

Speculation has already begun about how the Cubs might address the issue. Ideas range from signing a free agent like Lucas Giolito, to revisiting trade discussions for Sandy Alcantara, to promoting top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins. Interestingly, Chicago chose to scratch Wiggins from his scheduled Triple-A start this weekend, offering a vague explanation that ultimately raises more questions than it answers.

Jaxon Wiggins was removed from his scheduled start this weekend due to the Chicago Cubs “being strategic in how they deploy their pitching”

According to reporting from Tommy Birch, Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler told the Des Moines Register that Wiggins will not start in Triple-A this weekend, noting the organization is being strategic with how it deploys its pitching.

Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who was originally slated to start Friday for the @IowaCubs, is no longer listed in the team’s pitching probables.

Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler to the Des Moines Register: “We are being strategic with how we deploy our pitching.”

— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 9, 2026

Unfortunately, that explanation can be interpreted in several different ways. “Strategic” in this case could mean Wiggins is needed at the big-league level sooner rather than later, especially given the current wave of injuries and Chicago’s upcoming stretch of 13 games in 13 days, where pitching depth will be crucial.

It could also suggest the organization is looking to preserve his workload. Rather than having him rack up additional innings in the minors, the Cubs may be planning for a potential MLB debut later this season, with Wiggins possibly factoring into the stretch run much like Horton did a year ago.

Lastly, the decision may be developmental in nature. Wiggins has struggled with command early this season, and the time off could be aimed at allowing him to reset, refine his mechanics, and return more polished moving forward.

Ultimately, the Cubs’ decision leaves plenty open to interpretation, but it also underscores just how highly they value Wiggins within the organization. Whether this move signals an imminent call-up, a workload management plan, or a developmental reset, it’s clear Chicago is taking a deliberate approach with one of its top pitching prospects.

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Newly extended Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is already raising eyebrows just two weeks into the 2026 season. He’s off to a very strong start and is showing why the Cubs wanted to keep him around for the duration of his MLB career. While Hoerner is getting recognition for his efforts, several eye-popping stats even better show how valuable he is.

Hoerner won’t get fooled.

Hoerner’s greatest asset with the bat is his ability to put the ball in play. Last season, he was in the 99^th percentile in strikeout rate and whiff rate per Baseball Savant (Statcast). He’d been in the 99^th percentile in whiff rate from 2023-2025, and was in the 97^th percentile in 2022.

Since 2022, Hoerner is tied for the third-best strikeout rate among qualified hitters in baseball (10.2%), with Ernie Clement, and trailing just Steven Kwan and Luis Arraez. That’s just 261 strikeouts over 2,548 plate appearances. To put that in perspective, James Woods of the Nationals was baseball’s leading strikeout hitter last year with 221 strikeouts in 698 plate appearances.

Man with the Golden Glove.

Hoerner is not only one of the best fielding second basemen, but also one of the best fielders in baseball at any position. Since 2022, he boasts the eighth-highest OAA (Outs Above Average) at 38, is tied for the 11th-highest in FRV (Fielding Run Value) at 31, and is 12^th best in DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) at 34. Note that in 2022, he was playing shortstop before Dansby Swanson signed the following offseason.

Since becoming the primary second baseman on the Cubs in 2023, Hoerner is top-three among all second baseman in DRS (34), OAA (38) and FRV (31), and OAA (38).

What Hoerner’s WAR is good for.

WAR is a controversial stat considering the stock or lack thereof some might put into it. It’s also calculated a bit differently by multiple outlets. However, Hoerner’s WAR numbers reflect his value as a ballplayer very well.

Going by FanGraphs WAR (fWAR), Hoerner over his first 12 games of the 2026 season already sits at 1.0. His Baseball-Reference WAR (bWAR) is at 1.2 over his first 12 games. So, in less than two weeks’ worth of games, multiple outlets say he’s already a full win above replacement level.

Going beyond that, he has accumulated a 3.4 fWAR since the All Star break in 2025, which is tied for the fourth highest in all of baseball with Aaron Judge. Hoerner is obviously not Judge, but his bringing such a high level of value to the Cubs makes him one of the team’s most important assets. He does what he does well at an elite level, even if he does not bring power and (traditionally) a high walk rate.

The post Stats that will make Cubs Nico Hoerner look even better appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Prior to the 2026 MLB season, many predicted that the Chicago Cubs would be one of the favorites to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League crown and, perhaps, win the World Series. Fans and analysts pointed to the young firepower of their lineup, their high-ceiling starting rotation, and the leadership of Craig Counsell as reasons for these predictions.

After 12 games though, the Cubs are left with more questions than they had during the off-season. Matthew Boyd is on the injured list and Cade Horton is out for the year. Due to these injuries, the starting rotation is in dire straights.

Additionally, multiple Cubs position players have gotten off to slow starts at the plate. Notably, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been struggling ever since signing his long contract extension. However, Counsell said recently he has no worries about his All-Star centerfielder.

There are, though, three other players that need to start producing as well.

1. Michael Busch

Last year, first baseman Michael Busch was a pleasant surprise for Chicago, hitting .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs and 90 RBI. Because of his power explosion, he had high expectations set for him by the team and fans coming into 2026.

So far, he has not lived up to them.

Through 12 games, Busch is hitting .140/.255/.186 with no home runs and two RBI.

As if those numbers were not disappointing enough, the real frustration with these stats comes in his splits against right-handed pitchers compared to left-handed. It is well-known that Busch has hit right-handed pitching better (as he is left-handed), but early on this year he is hitting .121/.194/.182 against righties. Against lefties, he is hitting .200/.400/.200.

2. Alex Bregman

Chicago’s biggest off-season free agent signing was bringing in third baseman Alex Bregman on a five-year $175 million contract. Obviously, that kind of money sets a pretty high standard for play, one that the three-time All-Star has yet to meet in a Cubs uniform.

Last year, Bregman hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI for the Boston Red Sox. This year, he is hitting .188/.278/.333 with two home runs and three RBI for Chicago.

It is a long season, and history shows that Bregman will figure it out before too long. Right now, though, he has been disappointing at the plate.

3. Moises Ballesteros

Because Moises Ballesteros had nothing left to prove in the minor leagues as a hitter, the Cubs made the decision to add him to their Opening Day roster, planning on using him primarily as a designated hitter. After all, Ballesteros hit .298/.394/.474 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 20 Major League games last year, Chicago hoped that he would be able to contribute right away in 2026.

He has not.

Through 10 games, Ballesteros is hitting .222/.290/.333 with a home run and five RBI. He is still young and, of course, it is still early. Still, Chicago will need their best hitting prospect to start hitting before they decide to send him back to Triple-A.

More Chicago Cubs news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics

• Craig Counsell is not worried about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slow start
• Another Cubs starter out of lineup due to injury
• Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs took a flier in signing former Atlanta Braves top pitching prospect and 2017 number one draft pick Kyle Wright to a minor league deal. At the time, the move was seen as just a continued bid for more depth ahead of the 2026 season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw’s hot hand creates good drama

Right now, though, that signing is taking on an added degree of importance. With emerging ace Cade Horton out for the season with an elbow injury and Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd on the IL with a biceps strain (and possible continued physical uncertainty of his own), the Cubs have had to dip into starting pitching reserves much sooner than anticipated.

After the emergency rotation stopgaps of Colin Rea and Javier Assad, the 30-year-old Wright, suddenly, finds himself not too far away from being atop the list of potential call-ups.

The righty had early struggles at the major league level, but finally managed to break through to big league success in 2022 with the Braves, posting a 21-5 record and a 3.19 ERA in 30 starts. Subsequent injuries, though, hobbled his career and put him on the shelf. He hasn’t pitched at the major league level since 2023. Eventually, he found his way to free agency and then to the Cubs, who he pegged as the right team with the right pitching infrastructure to get him healthy and back on track.

Kyle Wright as the right man?

More News: Chicago Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, however, warns that Wright is not yet physically ready for a full-time return:

“Kyle Wright is a wild card in all of this, but ‘pretty far away still,’ according to Counsell, as he continues to work his way back from injuries.”

Buzz has been flying since the Horton and Boyd injuries that the Cubs may pull the trigger on a big acquisition to fill a rotation spot, with the still-available free agent Lucas Giolito and Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara being the most mentioned targets for the team.

Cubs GM Carter Hawkins, however, has thrown a big wet blanket on stories about free agent signings or massive trades to address the rotation issues.

Hope springs internal…

“The most likely thing, in the short term, is within the organization,” Hawkins told The Athletic. “In April, it’s difficult to make moves like that. But at the same time, we’ll obviously keep our lines in the water. You never know what opportunities might come up. But right now, I would focus on the guys internally.”

Two of those internal options—Rea and Assad—are already in the rotation. Jordan Wicks is still recovering from injury in Iowa. Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is not seen as major league-ready right now. Ace Justin Steele, meanwhile, has been targeted for return in late May or June (most likely June). Wright could be a second-half-of-season call-up, at best, if he’s even deemed ready for a return to the majors.

If a deal is made to beef up the rotation, it probably won’t come until the trade deadline on August 3.

This means that the Cubs will have to cross their fingers and pray for good luck and good health when it comes to starting pitching until then.

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The Chicago Cubs upset Matt Shaw’s applecart this past offseason when they pulled the shocker of signing three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

More News: Chicago Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck

And they did it again to Shaw just three days into the 2026 season when they announced a 6-year, $141 million contract extension for second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Shaw, the Cubs’ 2023 first round draft pick, had been converted to a full-time third baseman prior to the 2025 season to fill the team’s major league roster hole there and then had been pegged as a replacement at second base should Hoerner leave via free agency.

Now, with third and second settled for several years, Shaw is facing the reality that there really may be not much playing time open to him. Seiya Suzuki’s knee injury got the 24-year-old some playing time in right field, but Suzuki is coming back Friday and Shaw will again find himself displaced.

Shaw is cooking, despite uncertainty

More News: Chicago Cubs linked to New York Yankees in desperate trade proposal

To his credit, though, Shaw has been cooking at the plate and working his tail off in the field. His modest .257 batting average won’t jump off the screen, but the underlying metrics show a young hitter who is swinging the bat well and hitting the ball harder than he ever has.

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation crunched the Statcast numbers and saw him far surpassing his 2025 numbers (and current league average numbers) in hard-hit rate, average exit velocity, and barrel rate, as well as squared-up contact rate.

He puts things into perspective here:

“So right there on the surface, you can see some really meaningful improvement in just how often and how hard Matt Shaw is hitting the ball this season compared to last. And that’s the first, most important development of note to me because even during his ‘hot’ second-half last season (130 wRC+), he wasn’t even CLOSE to this level of quality contact: 32.4 hard%, 86.7 exit velo, 10.1 barrel%…

On the surface, Matt Shaw is swinging more frequently here in 2026 than he did last season, both on pitches out of the zone and strikes. And although that’s not always a good thing, I think a more aggressive Matt Shaw is going to be a better Matt Shaw, especially because he is pretty good at making contact and avoiding strikeouts.”

Shaw’s two home runs and a double in 35 at bats so far attest to the harder contact. If anything, as Cerami also notes, he’s actually had some bad luck in having hard-hit balls convert to hits.

Future plans for Shaw

But what happens Friday, when the young talent once again becomes a starter without a position?

Most likely, Suzuki and Bregman could get some DH time to keep them rested for a playoff push. Chicago would also be wise to do the same with Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Having Shaw available—and starting to become his actualized self—will give the Cubs a huge asset over the course of a long, grueling season. He’ll also be valuable next year as Suzuki and left fielder Ian Happ could both be gone via free agency.

For now, though, the Matt Shaw dilemma is a good one to have for the Cubs. Having too much talent for too few positions is always going to be a positive.

The post Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw’s hot hand creates good drama appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Before the start of the 2026 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs worked out a lucrative long-term contract extension with star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Crow-Armstrong ended up signing a six-year, $115 million contract with the Cubs. After a 2025 season that saw Crow-Armstrong become a first-time All-Star, it became clear that he was a huge part of the team’s long-term future. Now, he’s locked in for that future.

To start off the 2026 campaign, Crow-Armstrong has been struggling. Throughout the first 12 games he has played this year, the 24-year-old outfielder has hit one home run to go along with four RBI and four stolen bases. He has produced a slash line of .234/.265/.319.

After winning the last two games against the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago is now 6-6 on the year. Entering the season, the Cubs were viewed as one of the top World Series contenders in the National League. It’s still early, but Crow-Armstrong’s struggles have been a bit concerning.

With that being said, Chicago has been hit with a stern warning related to Crow-Armstrong.

Chicago Cubs Slapped With Pete Crow-Armstrong Warning

Drew Thirion of Deadspin has shared a very blunt and clear warning about Crow-Armstrong’s struggles. After getting such a big pay raise, the Cubs badly need him to figure things out at the plate in order to be a true contender.

“PCA will always provide value due to his all-world abilities to roam the outfield, but a $100 million player needs to provide more than just a glove,” Thirion wrote. “The Cubs were 7th in baseball in OPS last season and, with their slow start, are only 16th. Seyia Suzuki, returning from injury, should fix some of those issues, but they’ll need PCA to get going if they want to contend in what could be a loaded NL Central.”

Last season, Crow-Armstrong played in 157 games. He hit 31 home runs, drove in 95 RBI, stole 35 bases, and slashed .247/.287/.481. Those are the kinds of numbers that Chicago needs to see from him.

Next up for the Cubs will be a three-game series at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates before taking on the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series on the road. Hopefully, Crow-Armstrong will be able to step up and get back on track over the next six games.

The post Chicago Cubs Hit With Stern Pete Crow-Armstrong Warning appeared first on ChiCitySports.

At 6-6, the Chicago Cubs are the only team in the National League Central Division that is not over .500. While they sit in last place however, the season is still incredibly young and they certainly have the talent necessary to turn it around quickly. Pete Crow-Armstrong, for example, is off to a slow start, but history indicates that he will not struggle for long early in the season.

A huge area of concern, though, is starting pitching. With Cade Horton out for the year and Matthew Boyd on the injured list, the Cubs are scrambling to fill their rotation with quality starters.

Despite their struggles and injuries, though, ESPN still views them as a top-ten team.

The Chicago Cubs come in tenth in ESPN’s latest power rankings

Though 2026 has not started the way the Cubs had hoped it would, they still have the bones of a roster that won 92 games for them a year ago. Because of this, ESPN still considers them a top-10 MLB team:

“Losing Cade Horton for the season is a huge blow. The Cubs can replace the innings but not the production as the righty was an emerging ace but injury issues have plagued his career to this point. So where do they go from here? Javier Assad will take Horton’s place, and Justin Steele’s return from surgery is on the horizon as well. Chicago can make up for Horton’s loss, but it simply won’t be easy. The addition of Edward Cabrera — he has given up two hits in two starts — looms large. He might be the ace of this staff in short order.”

The concern about Cabrera is that he, too, has a significant injury history. While he is currently the most important starter in the rotation, there is no guarantee that he will be able to be present on the mound for the full season.

Chicago’s biggest strength right now is their young positional talent. While some of these players are struggling, it is only a matter of time before they figure it out and start clicking again.

Once that happens, if the starting rotation can hold serve, Chicago can still make some noise in the division.

More Chicago Cubs news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics

• Craig Counsell is not worried about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slow start
• Another Cubs starter out of lineup due to injury
• Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Cubs remain in ESPN’s top-10 of MLB power rankings despite slow start appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are not playing their best baseball early in 2026. Currently, they are 6-6 and the only team in the National League Central Division without a winning record. Granted, there are still 150 games remaining in the season and a lot can happen between April and October.

That being said, the Cubs are in a very precarious position in regard to their starting rotation. They did trade for Edward Cabrera during the off-season, and he has been, by far, their best starter. However, injuries to their top two starting pitchers have put them in a position where they are scrambling for depth.

The Chicago Cubs did not do enough to address starting pitching

While Cabrera has been a force in Chicago’s starting rotation early, second-year pitcher Cade Horton, considered by many to be the Cubs’ best starter, is out for the year with injury. Additionally, Matthew Boyd, their Opening Day starter, is on the injured list.

Now, Chicago is scrambling to fill their rotation, which is something they probably should have addressed even more this off-season, according to Bleacher Report:

“The rotation that the Cubs entered the season with—Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera and Jameson Taillon—had a high ceiling but also a low floor.

“So far, Boyd, who had a career year in 2025 after years of injuries, has landed on the injured list with a strained left biceps. Horton has already been lost for the season due to season-ending elbow surgery. Meanwhile, since finishing fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting as a rookie in 2024, Imanaga has a 4.75 FIP over 27 starts. Cabrera has high-end talent, but he too is also a major injury risk.

“The good news for the Cubs is that ace Justin Steele, who had surgery on his elbow last April, will be back at some point in 2026. But there’s going to be immediate pressure on the former All-Star to hit the ground running if the rest of Craig Counsell’s rotation doesn’t stabilize in the meantime.”

More Chicago Cubs news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics

• Craig Counsell is not worried about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slow start
• Another Cubs starter out of lineup due to injury
• Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Cubs blasted for off-season pitching decisions amid slow start appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It’s not just the Chicago Cubs that are off to a slower start than imagined this season but star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong as well. After inking a long-term extension to keep him in Chicago for the foreseeable future, Crow-Armstrong hasn’t looked himself early this season.

In fact, he hit his first home run on Thursday as the Cubs took the second game in a three-game series at Tampa Bay. It was encouraging to see Crow-Armstrong get going with the power and he also had a bunt single in the game too. Now, the task is to use this and get going this season.

But despite the struggles early with power, manager Craig Counsell isn’t worried about his star player.

Craig Counsell knows the home run power will come for Pete Crow-Armstrong

Following the big win over the Rays, manager Craig Counsell talked about Crow-Armstrong’s night and the home run he hit. He mentioned how he’s not worried about the lack of power so far.

“I think you could probably say that about most guys, I think that, look this is game 11,” Counsell said. “Pete is going to hit home runs this year. It was always good to see the first one, that’s for sure. It’s good to get a zero off the board. It just is. You just get the zero off the board. That’s a big deal.”

"This is game 11. Pete's going to hit home runs this year."

Craig Counsell knows this was the first of many for PCA pic.twitter.com/p5MItthMgY

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 8, 2026

In his breakout season a year ago, Crow-Armstrong hit 31 home runs and drove in 95 RBI’s. That helped him get that contract extension to stay in Chicago. Now, the hope is that he can replicate it or something close to it.

But even with a slow start, there shouldn’t be panic.

The post Craig Counsell isn’t worried about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slow start appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have another man down before Wednesday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Rays.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Brilliant Cabrera loses no-hitter to Conforto flub

The Cubs have been hit by several injuries this spring, most notably the pitching rotation has been rocked hard in recent days. Chicago will be without Cade Horton for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury that will require UCL surgery.

Matthew Boyd is on the 15-day injured list for a biceps issue. Justin Steele has not yet made his return.

Per ESPN’s Taylor McGregor, outfielder Ian Happ will not start on Wednesday night due to a bruised left heel that kept him out of Tuesday’s 9-2 win over the Rays. He is available to come off the bench.

“Cubs Ian Happ is out of the lineup for the second straight night,” McGregor posted on X. “He’s dealing with a bruised left heel but available off the bench.”

Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ won’t start

Happ is batting .200, .289, .550 with eight hits and seven scored runs in 40 at-bats through 10 games this season.

Amid the injuries, the Cubs are 5-6, at the bottom of the NL Central and three games behind the 8-3 Cincinnati Reds for first place in the division.

The Cubs split the first two games of their series with the Rays. Chicago will look to improve to .500 on Wednesday night, but they will not have Happ in the lineup to start.

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Another Chicago Cubs starter out of lineup due to injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs received bad news on Tuesday when it was ruled that starting pitcher Cade Horton was ruled out for the rest of the 2026 season. Horton will undergo UCL surgery after leaving his start on Friday in the second inning, a devastating blow to the team’s rotation.

With Justin Steele also out and Matthew Boyd heading to the IL for precautionary reasons, the rotation is taking a big hit. But could there be a solution in-season? That solution could be a former Chicago White Sox pitcher.

Should Chicago Cubs target Lucas Giolito?

The Cubs now have a need in the rotation despite the success of Edward Cabrera this season. Steele is also on track to return at some point this Summer. But it would be wise to address this sooner than later.

Fastball on Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy suggests that the Cubs target Lucas Giolito who is a free agent at the moment:

Giolito had success in 2025. He logged a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for Boston and should not be available in free agency. The Blue Jays had a hole in the starting rotation and turned to Patrick Corbin in free agency, who isn’t as good as Giolito. Unless Giolito simply doesn’t want to sign right now, there’s no reason why he should be available right now.

The Cubs are the latest team to need a lift, but there will be more pitching injuries to come around the league as the season progresses. For Chicago, it should offer Giolito a one-year deal right now and see if he’s interested in coming to town.

After being traded from Washington to Chicago, Giolito was a disappointment for the White Sox. However, he turned in a really good season for the Red Sox a year ago.

He would be a cheap option on a one-year deal as well, making it a little more feasible. The Cubs may have some c0mpetition too as other teams could jump into the race the longer he’s available. For now, there’s no sign that the Cubs will pursue this but it’s something worth monitoring.

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The Chicago Cubs have been reeling lately, especially when it comes to their starting pitching.

More News: Chicago Cubs linked to New York Yankees in desperate trade proposal

Coming into this 2026 season, it was thought that rotation depth could be the team’s saving grace. Their Opening Day roster boasted Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon, with Colin Rea and Ben Brown serving as solid swingmen and Javier Assad being stretched out as an emergency starter in Iowa. Ace Justin Steele was also expected to make his return from elbow surgery at some point before mid-season.

It took just a couple of days to trash that narrative and send fans into an early panic.

Horton will have to undergo season-ending elbow surgery. Boyd was put on the 15-day IL with a biceps strain, but his timetable for return may be in doubt. Brown has been touched up in two of his three appearances. Taillon has looked “mid” so far this year.

So, yeah, there’s reason for negativity. However, there’s also some cause for positivity as, despite recent issues, the rotation has still posted a collective 2.80 ERA so far this year—third best in the majors.

Javier Assad made for a feel-good day

More News: Chicago Cubs’ emergency Plan B may have them re-exploring trade for this ace

Assad’s performance against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday at Tropicana Field, in his first outing since being recalled from Triple-A, was one of those pieces of positivity.

The 28-year-old threw 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and two walks in a 9-2 Cubs win. It was a much-needed performance after potentially devastating pitching-related doom and gloom news the last few days.

“Javy did an outstanding job just attacking the strike zone. I thought that was the big thing; the first three innings I think he had 32 pitches,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “Javy has done that many times, stepped up when the team has needed. We certainly need it right now, and he delivered.”

Assad would leave the game in the sixth inning to a thunderous ovation from the multitude of Cubs fans in attendance.

“It’s really neat; I was not expecting that,” Assad said. “There were a lot of fans out there, but it’s a really good feeling, even if we’re not at home, to have the crowd here.”

Cabrera and Imanaga with the positive vibes

Emerging powerhouse righty Cabrera, meanwhile, has delivered nothing but positivity all season in his first year with Chicago. The 27-year-old, who came to the Cubs this past offseason in a trade for Cubs top prospect Owen Caissie and two other prospects, has been dominant in his first two starts of the year. In 11.2 innings so far, he’s only allowed 2 hits and has yet to give up a run.

Then there’s Imanaga, who got touched up a bit in his first start of the year, but looked like his old, 2024 self in his most recent start. The Japanese star is also boasting one of the biggest increases in velocity among MLB pitchers this year with a 1.4 mph boost to his four-seam velocity. His improved arm strength is also making for greater movement on his other pitches.

On deck is Steele, the Cubs’ most efficient and effective starter over the last several seasons. His rehabilitation is going along smoothly and he could be ready to go as soon as late May.

Also, don’t count out the Cubs’ front office when it comes to pulling off a big trade for pitching help. Given the money they spent this offseason, they clearly see this team as a special one and will go further than usual in trying to secure a deep playoff run.

No team likes to suffer through the loss of their top two rotation pieces, but the Cubs do still have the horses to win the pennant race and ride into the postseason, provided other setbacks don’t begin to pile up as well.

The post Chicago Cubs sound notes of starting pitching positivity after stretch of bad luck appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs took a couple of serious gut shots this week that threaten to break apart hope for a championship run before the year even gets into full swing.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ emergency Plan B may have them re-exploring trade for this ace

The biggest load of bad news, of course, came with the injury of projected ace Cade Horton. The 24-year-old 2022 first round draft pick left his last start in the second inning and was subsequently diagnosed with a serious UCL injury that will require season-ending elbow surgery. After a scorching second half of 2025, Horton was expected to be a dominant presence in the Cubs rotation.

Then, just a day after Horton was officially placed on the IL, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was also placed on the IL with a left biceps strain. The Cubs are talking very optimistically about Boyd’s return after his 15-day IL stint, but injuries are unpredictable, especially for a veteran pitcher with a long history of injury, like Boyd.

It’s understandable that the loss of the team’s two top starters would send fans into panic mode and, also, push media into a dive to explore outside pitching help.

The Cubs have already been tied to still-available free agent Lucas Giolito and Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The latest buzz centers around the New York Yankees and a proposed trade that would have starter Luis Gil swapping Yankees pinstripes for Cubs pinstripes.

Trade proposal for pitching help

More News: Should tough luck Chicago Cubs brace for more bad news regarding Matthew Boyd?

The 27-year-old Gil started the year in the minors, mostly due to the Yankees’ decision to use a four-man rotation early in the season, but is expected to be back in the majors soon. The righty has been hobbled by injury-related issues over the last couple years, but, when healthy, he’s a stud. His career tally over four seasons is 20-9 with a 3.50 ERA in 242 big league innings. He’s also under team control through the 2028 season.

In New York, the feeling is that he’s lost in the mix of high-end starting pitching and would, therefore, be considered expendable—if the right deal came along.

Jake Elman of Fansided is one of those who believes that a Yankees-Cubs trade for Gil is plausible if not logical:

“Why would the Yankees, who are off to a scorching start and are widely viewed as a legitimate World Series contender, trade a proven middle-of-the-rotation starter who is under team control?

Easy: The Yankees have awful judgment when it comes to their young players.

The Yankees can say whatever they want about how much they believe in Gil. I personally wouldn’t be shocked if they view him as expendable.

…The Yankees mishandled the Jasson Domínguez situation, and I expect them to do the same with Gil. This would likely cost the Cubs at least one top-30 prospect, but all would be forgiven if Gil helps bring a title back to the North Side.”

The cost of acquiring the Yankees starter

But what would getting Gil cost the Cubs?

TJ French of Heavy.com thinks that the Yankees, who have a legit shot at a championship this season, might ask for young, majors-ready talent in the swap:

“You would have to think the Yankees would want another player under team control for several years in return, so Matt Shaw could be the centerpiece of a return package, but New York may also ask for Ben Brown, who is a young reliever with some quality traits as a potential impact arm.”

It kind of makes sense. Shaw is someone who could be immediately plugged into the lineup somewhere and could even be used in the super utility role he currently plays for the Cubs. Brown, meanwhile, is a project with a solid upside who makes for a more comfortable fit in the Yankees bullpen.

Even if this Yankees trade idea goes nowhere beyond website fantasy talk, there’s no denying that the Cubs may need to explore outside-the-organization options if they still aim to make a serious postseason run this year.

The post Chicago Cubs linked to New York Yankees in desperate trade proposal appeared first on ChiCitySports.

There was a time, not too long ago, when it appeared that Owen Caissie was going to be the next big star for the Chicago Cubs. However, he was quickly passed over by now All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong among Cubs outfield prospects. Additionally, the presence of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki limited the playing time Caissie would have had in Chicago.

This past off-season, the Cubs felt one of their biggest priorities was solidifying their starting pitching. To that end, they traded Caissie and other prospects to the Miami Marlins for Edward Cabrera. Of course, this move has brought in great early returns for Chicago. However, Caissie is also making the trade more than worthwhile for Miami.

Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Owen Caissie is thriving with the Miami Marlins

Caissie got his first taste of Major League action last year with the Cubs. In 12 games, he hit .192/.222/.346 with a home run and four RBI.

He is off to a much better start this year with the Marlins, and was named by MLB.com as one of the best five players off to hot starts with their new teams:

“The centerpiece of the trade that sent Edward Cabrera to the Cubs, Caissie has lived up to his top-prospect label through the Marlins’ first 10 games. He hit two home runs with nine RBIs and a .948 OPS in his first 31 plate appearances of 2026, putting last season’s subpar debut with the Cubs (.568 OPS in 12 games) in the rear-view mirror.

“The 23-year-old ranks in the top 15 percent of the league in a number of Statcast categories (xSLG, barrel percentage, launch angle, sweet spot percentage, bat speed and chase percentage), looking more polished at the plate than most hitters his age. His walk-off home run finished off a season-opening sweep of the Rockies, marking only the third 3-0 start in franchise history and the first since 2009. The only other player to hit a walk-off homer in his first three games with the Marlins? Miguel Cabrera. Pretty good company.”

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs re-unite with 32-year-old pitcher after Cade Horton injury
• Cade Horton will officially miss the rest of the season with injury
• Cubs emergency Plan-B should be trading for this ace

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Cubs: former OF named as top-5 player off to great start with new team appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff has already been hit hard early in the 2026 season. Rising star Cade Horton will miss the rest of the year after being diagnosed with a UCL tear that will require surgery, and Matthew Boyd is also sidelined. They join Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks, who were injured during spring training, while Justin Steele and Shelby Miller continue their recoveries on the 60-day injured list.

With the Cubs’ pitching depth already being tested, a major league move feels inevitable. Whether that means exploring the free-agent market, such as a potential signing of Lucas Giolito, or turning to internal options, with Jaxon Wiggins expected to make his debut at some point, Chicago will need reinforcements.

For now, though, the Cubs’ first transaction following Horton’s injury news wasn’t a splashy one, but rather a reunion with a pitcher who spent spring training with the team this year.

Chicago Cubs reunite with Tyler Beede following Cade Horton’s worst-case injury

With Horton officially out for the season, the Cubs are bringing back former starter Tyler Beede on a minor-league deal. The 32-year-old right-hander originally signed with Chicago this offseason but was released at the end of March. Beede remained a free agent until today, April 7, when he and the Cubs agreed to reunite.

The Cubs got a glimpse of Beede this spring, as he appeared in seven games, logging just 3.2 innings with a 7.36 ERA. A former top-100 prospect and two-time first-round draft pick, Beede still carries plenty of potential despite a 5.55 ERA over 201 MLB innings.

While it’s a long shot, he could surprise in Chicago, much like Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz did last season. However, even with the injuries, he will have to play his way onto the big league roster to even have a chance at a redemption story.

The post Cubs reunite with 32-year-old pitcher after Cade Horton’s worst-case injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been tested with their pitching depth, but the concerns have been realized. After seeing young star starting pitcher Cade Horton leave with an injury, there has been an update about his injury. Look away Cubs fans, as the fears have been realized. Let’s take a look at what the injury is and what it means for him and the Cubs moving forward.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton will undergo UCL surgery

The sports doctors on social media were correct, as Horton’s elbow injury was what people expected. Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday’s game and confirmed Horton will undergo surgery on his UCL. This is a major blow to the Cubs’ rotation, which is already dealing with Matthew Boyd on the Injured List. Their depth will be tested as they also wait for Justin Steele to return from his injury last season.

Horton was expected to be a major piece for Chicago’s starting rotation for the 2026 season and beyond. It will be interesting to see if either Javier Assad or Colin Rea remains in the rotation for the rest of the year.  The 24-year-old righty finishes his season going 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP in 7.1 innings. Chicago has already used four prospects to acquire Edward Cabrera during the offseason, so it will be intriguing to see what general manager Jed Hoyer and the front office decide to do. With the franchise positioned to be in a window to be a serious contender, this is a massive blow to their chances of being in the World Series.

Chicago still has some talent who can help lessen the blow from this injury. However, Horton was expected to be a top-of-the-rotation arm taking the ball every fifth day.

The post Cade Horton officially will miss remainder of 2026 season with elbow injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a really tough spot, less than two weeks into the 2026 season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Justin Steele throws off Wrigley mound as Horton awaits imaging on forearm

On April 5, 24-year-old emerging ace Cade Horton was placed on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain. One day later, on April 6, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd was also placed on the 15-day IL, suffering from a left biceps strain.

The news regarding Horton has not been positive at all. While he’s on his way to a second opinion regarding a troubling MRI, some believe that all roads lead to Tommy John surgery—his second since he was a college freshman in 2021.

From bad news to worse news

More News: Chicago Cubs: Miguel Amaya is killing it right now as 2027 Cubs catching decision looms

Jesse Morse M.D., a board-certified sports & family medicine physician with a specialty in sports injuries, is one of those who feels that Horton’s injury is a worst case scenario:

“Cubs ace Cade Horton likely done for the season with an elbow injury. This is likely an injury to the UCL, whether it is a partial or full thickness tear.”

Dr. Morse indicates that the only question about Horton’s injury right now appears to be whether the young pitcher will need an internal brace procedure or full Tommy John surgery.

The news regarding Boyd, meanwhile, is not as dire. However, there are some serious questions regarding whether the veteran lefty’s 15-day timetable for return is way too optimistic.

The Cubs losing their two top pitchers—Horton for the season and Boyd for possibly more than a month—should force Cubs president Jed Hoyer and the front office into an immediate emergency Plan B.

An emergency Plan B?

And that contingency plan could bring back a rumored Cubs trade target from the not-so-distant past—Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins.

The 30-year-old Alcantara, who was coming back from 2024 Tommy John surgery last year, had been tied to the Cubs’ pursuit of frontline starters since last offseason and through the 2025 trade deadline. Ultimately, Chicago did pull the trigger on a trade for a Marlins pitcher, opting to acquire Edward Cabrera this past offseason in a deal that included the Cubs’ top prospect Owen Caissie.

At this point, however, the Cubs may have no choice but to come back to the Marlins to inquire about Alcantara, who has a $21 million 2027 club option possibly keeping him under team control for the rest of this season and all of next.

If Horton is, indeed, done for the year, a low-end rotation pickup like Lucas Giolito will not be enough. Alcantara has legit ace stuff and has looked overpowering so far this year, posting 16 scoreless innings over two starts, with 12 strikeouts. While last year’s overall numbers were rough (11-12, 5.36 ERA), his post-All-Star break tally (7-3, 3.33 ERA) told the tale of an elite pitcher who was truly coming around after a lost 2024 season.

Getting Alcantara will be costly. The Marlins will take full advantage of the Cubs’ desperation and charge them accordingly. A deal could likely include top first base prospect Jonathon Long, middle infield prospect Jefferson Rojas, and/or infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw, as well as other high end minor league talent.

The Cubs, though, may have no choice but to make this kind of trade happen if they’re serious about making a deep playoff run this season.

The post Chicago Cubs’ emergency Plan B may have them re-exploring trade for this ace appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs pitching rotation is in bad shape to start the season amid a 4-6 start, and a sports doctor revealed a rather horrific update for Cade Horton.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Brilliant Cabrera loses no-hitter to Conforto flub

After making the postseason last year, Chicago finds itself at the bottom of the National League Central.

On Friday, the Cubs had to pull Horton for right forearm discomfort after throwing 17 pitches against the Cleveland Guardians.

Per David Kaplan of ESPN 1000, Horton’s MRI was “not clean” and “not good.” Horton is set to visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Tuesday to further examine the injury.

Chicago Cubs: Cade Horton likely out for season

Dr. Jesse Morse, a well-known sports doctor who comments on injuries for professional athletes, seems to believe Horton has an injury to the UCL. There is a possibility Horton needs full Tommy John surgery, and the pitcher is not expected to return this season.

“Cubs ace Cade Horton likely done for the season with an elbow injury,” Morse posted on X. “This is likely an injury to the UCL, whether it is a partial or full thickness tear.

“Dr. Meister is one of the top elbow specialists in the country and the question will come down to if he should have internal brace procedure or if he needs full Tommy John surgery.”

Cubs ace Cade Horton likely done for the season with an elbow injury.

This is likely an injury to the UCL, whether it is a partial or full thickness tear.

Dr. Meister is one of the top elbow specialists in the country and the question will come down to if he should have… https://t.co/BdzLW053i1

— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) April 7, 2026

Horton, 24, gave up two runs on four hits in 6.1 innings pitched in his first start of the season against the Washington Nationals on March 28.

The injury to the right-handed pitcher is another obstacle for a Cubs team that is underperforming to begin the campaign.

Losing Horton for the season is certainly not ideal for the Cubs, but the injury is troubling for a young pitcher entering his second season in the majors.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have been getting slammed with bad news these last few days. On Monday, it was announced that de facto ace Matthew Boyd was being placed on the 15-day IL with a left biceps strain.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Miguel Amaya is killing it right now as 2027 Cubs catching decision looms

That news came just a day after the team placed young future ace Cade Horton on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain.

The back-to-back blows effectively remove the Cubs’ top two starters from the rotation and potentially send the team into panic mode, less than two weeks into a 2026 season where a championship run was fully expected.

To make matters worse, the 24-year-old Horton’s MRI didn’t “come back clean” and there will now be a second medical opinion pursued before the pitcher and the team consider their options. There is currently a strong possibility that Horton may be headed towards his second Tommy John surgery. In 2021, the right-hander had the medical procedure done while in his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma.

Concern about Matthew Boyd’s return?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Brilliant Cabrera loses no-hitter to Conforto flub

And now some believe that Boyd’s injury is possibly not as minimal as the pitcher and Cubs manager Craig Counsell have initially let on.

Matt Cozzi from the Locked on Cubs podcast recently conducted his own research and came to the conclusion that there’s some legit cause for concern when it comes to Boyd’s timetable for return.

Per Cozzi:

“Before Monday’s game against the Rays, Boyd did say he hasn’t felt any pain, but also hasn’t bounced back like he normally would after his first two starts…Both Boyd and manager Craig Counsell expressed their optimism, with Counsell even going as far to say he expected a minimal stint on the IL.

Now, why would you say that? Why would you say that?

They don’t know that. And I looked up some bicep strains by pitchers…They have typically forced starting pitchers to miss one month or more. Matthew Boyd is going to be different? Matthew Boyd, who has a long injury history?”

The desperation may be palpable in Cozzi’s tone, but his concern is warranted.

Uncertainty ahead

The 35-year-old Boyd has been devastated by injury for much of the last six years, delivering his first injury-free season in awhile last year. Boyd’s 179.2 innings pitched in 2025 was the first time he had posted more than 100 innings in a season since 2019. Boyd, by the way, is also coming off Tommy John surgery in 2023, although this current biceps issue has not been linked to that procedure.

Whatever the case, there’s real trouble ahead if Boyd, who was the team’s most consistently dependable starter last season, is forced on the shelf for an extended period of time, especially if Horton is lost for the year.

A Cubs rotation that seemed to be overflowing with depth as recently as a week ago, is already under dire strain. The current rotation of Edward Cabrera, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and the recently recalled Javier Assad is not a championship-caliber 5-man crew and there doesn’t seem to be any backup until Justin Steele returns from his own elbow surgery at some point before mid-season.

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The Chicago Cubs figured to be pretty set when it came to position players this season. With only the injury to right fielder Seiya Suzuki mucking things up, the team was extremely secure in all eight of its non-pitcher starting spots.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Brilliant Cabrera loses no-hitter to Conforto flub

The team felt especially secure with their catching.

Last season, early quick starts from co-starters Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya, plus fill-in pop from Reese McGuire, helped give the Cubs one of the better catching crews in baseball. Even factoring in Amaya’s season-dampening injuries and Kelly’s mid-season fade, Chicago’s catchers still finished the year with 30 combined home runs, 99 RBIs, along with very solid work behind the plate.

This year, McGuire is gone, but Kelly remains, as does a healthy and energized Amaya.

Miguel Amaya on fire

More News: Chicago Cubs: Justin Steele throws off Wrigley mound as Horton awaits imaging on forearm

So far, the 27-year-old Amaya has been killing it on offense and showcasing some quality leadership at his position.

On Sunday, he drove in the winning run in the Cubs 1-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a double header at Progressive Field. On the year, he’s now hitting .417 in five games with 1 home run and 4 RBIs.

Some experts had been predicting a breakout year from Amaya since spring training, contingent upon the young asset staying healthy.

Amaya, who came through the Cubs’ system as its premier catching prospect, seemed on the verge of a breakout in late 2024. Injuries early into the 2025 season, however, killed his progress. Amaya finished the season with only 28 games played, but he looked like the real deal in all of them.

All-Star bound?

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic declared during spring training that Amaya could work his way to an All-Star assignment if he managed to stay healthy:

“Many are overlooking Amaya after an injury-plagued 2025, along with Carson Kelly putting up a career year. He’ll continue to split time with Kelly, but Counsell won’t be afraid to lean on one or the other depending on who is playing best.

If Amaya can get off to a hot start with the bat — don’t expect a match of Kelly’s April last season — perhaps he’ll get some attention league-wide. The Cubs are expected to be one of the best teams in the NL, so if Amaya, who has appeared healthy and strong at the plate this spring, hits a hot stretch, the All-Star Game shouldn’t be a stretch.”

Staying healthy, however, is the big qualifier there. Amaya has a long history of injury dating back to his minor league days.

If he can stay on the field, though, he should prove his worth while also helping to keep Kelly fresh for later in the season. After this season, he’ll arguably play an even more important role for the team.

With the Cubs staring down a mutual option with Kelly for 2027, it’s very possible that Amaya could be the team’s only full-time starting catcher next season.

For now, though, the young backstop is focused on this season and on finally living up to his promise over the course of a full year. So far, so good.

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The Chicago Cubs aren’t off to a good start here in 2026. After 10 games, the Cubs are 4-6 and in last place in the NL Central losing series to the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Guardians so far.

To make matters worse, Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton both suffered injuries and are on the IL. While Boyd is more precautionary, there’s not very good news with Horton. As soon as he threw a pitch in the second inning vs. the Guardians on Friday, he immediately looked in the dugout. The Cubs removed him and then announced he was going on the IL.

Now, a few days later, the news isn’t very good for Horton and the Cubs.

Cade Horton to see specialist in Texas

Horton underwent an MRI following his exit and for Cubs fans, it’s not good news. Jesse Rogers reported on ESPN 1000’s Kap and JHood Tuesday that the MRI was not clean and not good. He then went on to say that Horton will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Tuesday for a further evaluation.

That’s not great news at all.

**Breaking News** Per @JesseRogersESPN on Kap and JHood on @Espn1000 Cubs star Cade Horton will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas today after his MRI was not clean and not good. Trending down a bad path.

— David Kaplan (@thekapman) April 7, 2026

The worry is that Horton will have to undergo Tommy John surgery which will certainly sideline him the rest of the season. Horton is coming off an injury he suffered last season that caused him to miss the final weeks of the season including the postseason.

Horton had Tommy John surgery in 2021 while in college. In his two starts this season, Horton pitched 7.1 innings with a 2.45 ERA. Chicago is also missing Justin Steele who should return at some point this season after undergoing reconstructive surgery last season.

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The Chicago Cubs are coming off a week where they had a bit of a downturn. With injuries and going 3-3 through their six games, the Cubs are looking to turn around a slow start to the 2026 season. The team needs to figure out how to survive injuries to the pitching staff and get some more wins. One outlet released its power rankings following the first full week of MLB action. Where do the Cubs rank on this list?

The Chicago Cubs fall to 13th in Bleacher Report’s latest power rankings

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report released his MLB power rankings on Monday afternoon. The Cubs saw a bit of a dip as they went from sixth place in the first power rankings to now being 13th. Below is what Retuer wrote regarding the team:

“The Cubs were dealt a blow when Cade Horton exited his second start with forearm discomfort, which can often be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. Swingman Colin Rea will bridge the gap for the time being, but Horton has legitimate ace-caliber upside and will be missed. That makes the 11.2 innings of scoreless ball that Edward Cabrera has twirled even more important.”

Luckily for the Cubs, this was released before it was announced that Matthew Boyd would also head to the 15-day Injured List. The Cubs were the final team on tier three. Below is the full list of tier three teams in order from their spot in the power rankings:

• Cincinnati Reds
• Houston Astros
• Miami Marlins
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Chicago Cubs

Chicago has a three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays before a day off on Thursday. They head back home for a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will be interesting to see with a banged-up starting pitching rotation if Chicago can get back into the tier two list.

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Before Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs lost starting right fielder Seiya Suzuki to the injured list after he suffered a PCL sprain while diving into second base during the World Baseball Classic. Although Suzuki is expected to return on Friday, April 10, the team initially turned to a mix of Matt Shaw and Michael Conforto to handle the position.

Shaw, who is expected to see time at multiple defensive positions this season, has handled most of the opportunities, while Conforto, who originally signed a minor league deal over the offseason, was added to the 40-man roster ahead of Opening Day. That move left top prospect Kevin Alcantara in the minors, a decision that may already have the organization rethinking its approach.

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara is off to a hot start to the 2026 minor league season

Through eight Triple-A games, Alcantara has homered in half of his games played, an encouraging early power surge. His four home runs are a strong sign for a player projected to develop into a 20-homer bat over a full season, after consistently finishing in the 13–17 range across each of the past four minor league campaigns.

Beyond the power, Alcantara has drawn four walks, swiped two bases, and struck out nine times, which equates to a 26% strikeout rate. Those contributions would be a welcome boost for the Chicago Cubs, especially with Shaw and Conforto combining for just one extra-base hit and three walks across 31 at-bats.

If Alcantara keeps producing, he should be firmly in the call-up conversation, even with Suzuki nearing a return. With designated hitter Moises Ballesteros also off to a slow start, the Cubs may need to prioritize a hotter bat, potentially moving on from Conforto in favor of Alcantara’s higher upside.

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The Chicago Cubs are 4-5 to start the season. They have dropped two of their first three series of the year, their most recent loss coming against the Cleveland Guardians over the weekend. Chicago lost the first game, won the first game of their Sunday doubleheader, and then dropped the series finale on Sunday night.

Currently, the Cubs are in last place in the National League Central Division. The good news, though, is that there are 153 games left to play, meaning they have plenty of time to turn it around.

When/if they do, their bullpen will be a key reason why.

Caleb Thielbar named the Chicago Cubs best kept secret

David Palencia, Chicago’s closer, is regarded as their best bullpen pitcher for a reason. However, the Cubs still need to get to ninth inning with the lead in order for him to have his greatest effect.

This is why Caleb Thielbar was named by Bleacher Report to be Chicago’s best kept secret:

“Definitely the oldest name on this list, the Cubs re-signed Caleb Thielbar for $4.5 million this winter after the lefty had a career-year at age 37. Across 67 games for Craig Counsell’s squad last season, Thielbar posted a 2.64 ERA. He’s going to be a key piece again this year in getting the ball to closer Daniel Palencia.”

The 39-year-old Thielbar enjoyed the best season of his Major League career last season while pitching for the Cubs. In three appearances this season so far, he has not allowed a run or a hit (though he has given up two walks).

If Chicago can get the ball to Thielbar with the lead late in games, chances are he will set up Palencia quite nicely.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs get big Seiya Suzuki news
• Cubs All-Star is adjusting timing in loss to Guardians
• Ben Brown’s struggles doomed Easter Sunday for Cubs

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation took a hard hit to begin April, as two starting pitchers found their way onto the injured list.

More News: Former Cubs and White Sox SP impresses in Diamondbacks debut

Losing right-hander Cade Horton due to forearm discomfort on Friday, the Cubs will also be without left-hander Matthew Boyd. According to Meghan Montemurreo of the Chicago Tribune, Boyd was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday with a left bicep strain.

To take Boyd’s place on the active roster, the Cubs recalled right-hander Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa. Assad will start for the Cubs on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays in place of the 2025 All-Star.

In his two starts before heading to the injured list, Boyd went 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA while walking three and striking out 17 in 9.1 innings.

Another starting pitching blow for the Cubs:

Matthew Boyd has been placed on the 15-day IL with a left bicep strain.

Javier Assad has been recalled and starts tomorrow.

— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) April 6, 2026

The Chicago Cubs will need Javier Assad to be on his game on Tuesday

Since joining the Iowa Cubs Assad has struggled. In two starts, Assad posted a 9.00 ERA and allowed seven earned runs (eight total) in seven innings. However, the 28-year-old did have a great spring, posting a 1.35 ERA in three games. The Cubs ultimately optioned Assad to Triple-A due to not having a spot in either the starting rotation or bullpen.

A decent big league pitcher, the Cubs need will Assad to give them quality innings until Boyd returns. Assad will likely make at least two starts while Boyd recovers from his injury.

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The Chicago Cubs continue to be a mixed bag so far this season, showcasing some high-level execution, but also some stretches of uninspired play. Sunday’s 1-1 double header against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field showcased that dichotomy.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Justin Steele throws off Wrigley mound as Horton awaits imaging on forearm

In the first game of the day, new Cub Edward Cabrera was brilliant through 5.2 innings, striking out 4 and allowing just one hit—a very disputed one to start off the sixth.

Conforto’s flub ends Cabrera’s no-hitter bid

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman’s insane 2026 stat is almost the stuff of fiction

In what should’ve been a deep, but routine fly ball off the bat of the Guardians’ CJ Kayfus, right fielder Michael Conforto misjudged the trajectory and ended up with the ball over his head and up against the wall. The double (on what was a 99% probability catch according to Twitter stats account The WARmonger) would be the first hit off Cabrera and, ultimately, the only hit from the Guardians in the game.

“Bad read by Michael,” Marquee Sports Network color commentator Jim Deshaies said at the time of the play. “He actually broke in hard two or three steps before realizing this ball was headed towards the wall.”

Catch probability initially 99% on this one, BTW. It may update later but doubt it goes far. Tough way to lose a no-no. https://t.co/LRdSrYP0hy

— The WARmonger (@TheWARmonger_) April 5, 2026

The Cubs managed to exit the inning with no runs allowed. Later, Conforto redeemed himself a bit by drawing a walk in the eighth inning which would ultimately lead to Chicago scoring the winning run of the ballgame.

Realistically, the outfield flub came at the very beginning of the sixth, with Cabrera having already thrown 75 pitches. Regardless of what happened that inning, it was unlikely that manager Craig Counsell would’ve kept Cabrera in the game that much longer, anyway.

Cabrera’s continued brilliance

If anything, the story of the game was more Cabrera’s dominance than Conforto’s misread in right field. The 27-year-old power-pitching right-hander, who came to the Cubs this past offseason in a trade for Cubs top prospect Owen Caissie and two other prospects, has been lights-out in his first two starts of the season. In 11.2 innings so far, he’s only allowed 2 hits and has yet to give up a run.

After the game, the native of the Dominican Republic heaped praise on the defense behind him as a whole, making sure to emphasize his trust in “all” his teammates.

“I want to thank God for the two outings that I’ve had,” Cabrera said via team interpreter Fredy Quevedo Jr.

“It feels good to have a defense like the one we have out there. We have a great defense, and I trust all the guys. And when I say I trust all the guys, I mean all the guys. It’s a great defense. It feels really, really good.”

Shota Imanaga, who started game two of Sunday’s double header, rushed to give his new teammate extreme kudos.

“As a starter, you want to keep the team in the game,” Imanaga said via his own interpreter, Edwin Stanberry. “He’s able to dominate, and I think there’s a lot to learn from him. I want to be able to do what he’s doing and dominate the hitters.”

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The Chicago Cubs have been on a bit of a roller coaster to start the 2026 MLB season. Prior to the beginning of the year, many expected the Cubs to be one of the best teams in the National League and challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for a World Series title.

Through nine games, though, Chicago has found more questions than answers to ones they already had. Of course, anything can happen throughout the course of the remaining 153 games, but early indications are that the Cubs are going to be in for a real battle in 2026.

The Chicago Cubs fall to 11th in MLB power rankings

Before the season started, the Cubs were ranked as one of the top 10 teams in all baseball. Even after their disappointing opening series loss to the Washington Nationals, they were still considered a top-ten team.

But after they went 3-3 this week, MLB.com dropped them down to 11th in their power rankings:

“It’s been a sluggish start for the Cubbies, but the biggest news is the status of Cade Horton, who left early from Friday’s start after 17 pitches due to right forearm discomfort. Losing the second-year righty for an extended period of time would be a big blow for Chicago.”

As noted above, there is a real concern about how long starting pitcher Cade Horton will be out. While he was not named the Opening Day starter, he is one of their better pitchers. If he misses a long period of time, it will certainly affect Chicago’s ability to stay afloat in the National League Central Division.

Fortunately, Edward Cabrera has been stellar in his two starts and Matthew Boyd rebounded in his second start after struggling on Opening Day. Still, the starting rotation depth in Chicago is being challenged early.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs All-Star is adjusting his timing in loss to Guardians
• Ben Brown’s struggles doomed Easter Sunday for the Cubs
• Cubs officially place Cade Horton on the injury list

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have struggled throughout the beginning portion of the regular season.

One of the issues has been injuries, as one player missing from the lineup has been right fielder Seiya Suzuki. As he is dealing with an injury, he is close to making his 2026 debut with Chicago.

Let’s take a deeper dive into when he is expected to return to the field.

Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki is expected to return on Friday

It appears that Suzuki is getting ready to return to the Cubs lineup very soon.

Following the doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, manager Craig Counsell revealed some news regarding his right fielder. He would say that Suzuki will remain in his rehab assignment this week and is expected to return when the Cubs head back to Wrigley Field on Friday.

However, Counsell did discuss how it could be a slower process:

“We’re probably dealing with at-bats as much as anything here. He didn’t get a full spring. Multiple weeks off. It’s just making sure he’s ready to go offensively… We want him to play right field, so we’ll activate him when he’s ready to play right field.”

During his rehab games, he has played right field twice and DH once. Suzuki suffered an injury during the 2026 World Baseball Classic as part of Team Japan. He suffered a strained PCL and has been preparing to make his season debut.

Suzuki is coming off his best season since joining MLB for the 2022 season. He received National League MVP votes as in 151 games, he had a .804 OPS with 32 homers, 103 RBI, and 75 runs scored.

With Chicago struggling to maintain enough offense to remain competitive, adding Suzuki to the lineup makes it even better. Currently, Michael Conforto and Matt Shaw are splitting time in right field, so adding him back would significantly improve the offense.

It will be intriguing to see if Suzuki will return on Friday and how the Cubs decide how much he will play early on.

The post Chicago Cubs get big Seiya Suzuki news appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Despite fighting back late in the game, the Chicago Cubs couldn’t pull out a win against the Cleveland Guardians, losing 6-5 on Easter Sunday.

More News: Chicago Cubs officially place Cade Horton on Injured List

A major part of the Cubs’ attempted comeback was outfielder Ian Happ. The Gold Glove outfielder came into the game cold (0-for-11), but went 2-5 with two RBI.

Happ hit a solo home run off Guardians reliever Shawn Armstrong in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie. Happ also singled home second baseman Nico Hoerner in the top of the ninth inning to bring the Cubs within one (6-5).

Ian Happ figured that his problem at the plate was a timing issue

“A lot of it is a timing thing,” Happ said to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. “You’re swinging and missing or chasing, and you feel like you want to see the ball better. And a lot of times, that leads to being late and it gets worse. It’s really hard to convince yourself to be early and to really get yourself moving when you’re struggling. “And that’s one of the things throughout my career that I’ve battled, is trying to be earlier and kind of committing to that.”

Even though the former All-Star (2022) is the Cubs’ leader in home runs (four), Happ is second in MLB in strikeouts (18). He also carries a batting average of .189 in 37 at-bats and an .809 OPS.

The Chicago Cubs will have a decision to make with Ian Happ

Happ enters the last year of his three-year contract (signed in 2023), and the Cubs will need to decide whether or not to bring back their longtime left fielder. Happ has spent his entire 10-year career with the Cubs after being drafted in the first round (ninth overall) in the 2015 MLB Draft. The Cubs’ longest tenured player debuted in the big leagues one year after (2017) the Cubs broke their 108-year drought without a World Series (2016).

A solid defender in the field — winning four straight Gold Gloves (2022-2025) — Happ has been a consistent hitter at the plate. The 31-year-old has hit 20+ home runs five times in his career, and 130+ hits between 2022 and 2025.

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Easter Sunday should have been a celebration for the Chicago Cubs. Instead, it turned into another painful reminder of the team’s most glaring flaw. After taking a 3–0 lead in Game 2 of their doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians (The Cubs barely won 1-0 in Game 1), the bullpen unraveled. They coughed up the advantage and lost 6–5. What should have been a momentum‑building win became another chapter in a troubling early‑season pattern.

After starter Edward Cabrera lasted five innings in Game 1, the Cubs were forced into using Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, and Daniel Palencia. As the offense tried to hold on to a 1-0 lead, they were in survival mode as the bullpen had to absorb innings. Chicago escaped Game 1. But the bullpen entered the second game depleted.

In Game 2, Ben Brown came into the game with a 3-0 lead in the sixth inning. But his command wavered, and Cleveland capitalized, ruining Shota Imanaga’s decent outing. His erratic outing forced Counsell to turn to a bullpen that had already been pushed to its limit. 

The Cubs regained a 4–3 lead in the 7th, thanks to a home run by Ian Happ, who was 0-for-7 (including six consecutive strikeouts across the doubleheader). But Jacob Webb surrendered the advantage almost immediately. The Guardians then took a 6-4 lead in the 8th. In the end, the Cubs had blown two separate leads and turned a winnable game into a 6–5 loss.

This sealed a miserable end to the holiday doubleheader.

Game 2 loss puts the onus on both Craig Counsell and Jed Hoyer for Chicago Cubs

The president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, has the fans very excited about his recent aggressive moves, such as signing free-agent Alex Bregman and re-signing Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner. However, the jury will always be out on Hoyer as long as the bullpen keeps blowing games. This bullpen was a calculated gamble — a mix of bargain arms, rebound candidates, and internal options. Despite his immense potential, Ben Brown continues to frustrate the fans. How long can they put up with his inconsistencies?

Meanwhile, Webb and Phil Maton, two of his offseason acquisitions, have not done their job either. 

Craig Counsell is the highest‑paid manager in baseball history at $8 million per year. That price tag comes with expectations. But right now, the Cubs are last in the NL Central with a 4-5 record. The Cubs aren’t meeting their high expectation yet. Every time a bullpen implodes like in Game 2, every decision he makes is magnified. Fair or not, the criticism will only grow louder, and his bullpen decisions will increasingly come under scrutiny.

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The Chicago Cubs have a doubleheader on Sunday due to inclement weather, but they also made some news.

Cade Horton is one of the team’s bright young pitchers, and he left Friday’s start with right forearm discomfort. The team made some roster moves regarding the injury before Sunday’s doubleheader.

Let’s take a closer look at what they did and what it means for the Cubs going forward.

The Chicago Cubs officially place Cade Horton on the Injured List

The Cubs have officially placed Horton on the Injured List with a right forearm strain. He would wind up leaving his start after 17 pitches out of precaution, and the worst was beginning to be expected.

Chicago would announce that he will be further examined in Chicago for more testing. This led to the fact that he would be officially placed on the 15-day Injured List with a right forearm strain. In the corresponding move, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Riley Martin.

Losing Horton would be a major blow to the Cubs’ starting rotation, as they are already without Justin Steele to begin the season. If he is able to return to the team after the 15 days, it would be a massive victory for Chicago.

Martin is expected to make his MLB debut on Wednesday on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays. He has pitched parts of four seasons in Triple-A Iowa and has gone 11-7 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.522 WHIP in 139.1 innings.

While not being used as a starter, he did make one start this season for the Iowa Cubs, pitching three innings. It will be intriguing to see if Cubs manager Craig Counsell uses Martin as more of a long relief opener, pitching 3-4 innings rather than a full starter’s workload.

With the bullpen ranking 15th in ERA after a little more than a week of action, it will be intriguing to see how he does to replace Horton’s spot in the rotation.

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The Chicago Cubs got a bit of good pitching news on Saturday, to slightly counter some concerning pitching news from the day before. Ace Justin Steele pitched off the Wrigley Field mound and, apparently, looked pretty darn solid throwing live BP.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman’s insane 2026 stat is almost the stuff of fiction

On Friday, emerging pitching star Cade Horton was pulled from his start in Cleveland after just one full inning with “forearm discomfort” and was subsequently placed on the 15-day IL while he’s being assessed.

So, even the slightest hint of Steele—the Cubs’ most efficient and effective starting pitcher over the last several years—looking rotation-ready is a much bigger deal than it would’ve been, even last week.

Justin Steele’s rehab advances

More News: Chicago Cubs, post-Cade Horton injury, tied to still-available veteran starter

The lefty Steele went down with an elbow injury last year, just four starts into the season. Subsequent elbow surgery (ulnar collateral ligament revision repair) put him on the shelf for the rest of the year.

Hopes were high, however, that he would make a full recovery and be a big part of a 2026 squad targeting a deep postseason run. On March 1, Steele told reporters that his doctor had cleared him to resume full baseball activities and that he hoped to be back in the Cubs’ rotation in May or June.

“As far as doctor’s orders, he’s cleared me. Full-go as far as baseball activities, no restrictions,” he told reporters.

Not long after that, the 30-year-old would face live hitters (Michael Busch and Jonathon Long) for the first time since his injury.

“Looks like Justin,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told reporters after the session, with a smile. “There’s days where he has really good cut to the fastball and gets weak contact. And there’s days where it has a little more carry, where you get more swing and miss. I thought today, you kind of saw a little bit of both.”

“I think it went as well as he could have wanted it and hoped for it to go,” Hottovy added. “Now it’s just continuing to build off every outing, every live BP and making sure we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”

In the meantime…

With Horton’s status still up in the air, the Cubs will be looking to urgently fill a spot near the top of the rotation. And while it appears that veteran Colin Rea will be taking the young arm’s spot for now, the team will definitely need a more established starter to help carry them to a postseason berth. Over 82 starts and four years as a Cubs rotation piece, Steele has posted a 3.18 ERA.

Until Steele can make his way to active duty, Chicago will have a solid reserve crew to tap for starts, including Rea, Ben Brown, and Javier Assad, who is currently at Triple-A Iowa.

This is all assuming, of course, that the 24-year-old Horton will miss time beyond his 15-day IL stint. However, given that Horton has had his season shut down due to injury two years in a row, chances of a prolonged absence are disturbingly high.

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The Chicago Cubs went to an uncomfortable place to sign free agent three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman this past offseason. They not only gave him a 5-year, $175 million contract (as he was on the verge of 32 years of age), but they used deferred money to get the deal done, something which was previously a deal killer for Cubs ownership.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Is it already time to sound the starting pitching alarm?

But the Cubs really, really wanted Bregman and were apparently kicking themselves for not going harder at him when he was on the market prior to the 2025 season. Not only do they value his overall ability—from solid, high-end offense to Gold Glove-level defense—but they also love the intangibles he brings to the clubhouse.

A famously intense competitor and general good guy, the former Astros and Red Sox star is also recognized, league-wide, for his leadership skills.

That particular attribute, especially, was desirable for a Cubs team that stands to lose much of its veteran core to free agency next season.

Bregman’s insanely good decision-making so far

More News: Chicago Cubs, post-Cade Horton injury, tied to still-available veteran starter

Bregman, however, also brings something else to the team—elite-level patience and discipline at the plate.

So far this season, those abilities have really stood out.

Analytics-focused Twitter account, Rushing Baseball, recently posted a factoid that really caught the attention of fans and media:

“Alex Bregman has swung at a pitch out of the strikezone twice

He’s seen 147 pitches.”

Yikes.

Alex Bregman has swung at a pitch out of the strikezone twice

He’s seen 147 pitches

— RushingBaseball (@RushingBaseball) April 4, 2026

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation then followed up, mentioning Bregman’s Statcast O-swing rate of just 6.3% (O-swing rate demonstrates the percentage of swings a hitter takes on balls outside the strike zone). Needless to say, that’s an insane number.

Per Cerami:

“As I hope you could have guessed, that is BY FAR the best mark in baseball. The next closest player, Taylor Ward, has an 11.3% O-swing rate. And league average, get ready for a laugh, is 30.4%. Indeed, the single best mark in the Statcast era belongs to the famously patient Juan Soto, who, in 2021, posted an 11.5% O-swing rate for the season. So, yeah, what Bregman has been doing so far this year is the most extreme of the extreme. He is making VERY good choices.”

Meanwhile, PCA…

In deep, deep contrast, by the way, the Cubs’ free-swinging centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is posting an equally (and opposingly) insane O-swing rate of 46%.

Yes, it’s still very early in the season and Bregman only has 32 plate appearances under his belt. But, despite a weak-looking .214 batting average so far, the veteran is currently doing everything right at the plate. He’s clearly making great decisions, seeing the ball well, and hitting the ball hard (he already has two home runs). He’s also drawing walks and making opposing pitchers work hard to get him out.

It should be just a matter of time before his stats reflect all the good going on. Then, the Cubs front office can once again crow about what a good decision they made by bringing him aboard. Maybe his swing selection will even rub off on PCA.

The post Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman’s insane 2026 stat is almost the stuff of fiction appeared first on ChiCitySports.

MLB: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians – April 5th, 2026 | Live Cubs-Guardians Score, Play-by Play, Chat, & More

Guardians vs. Cubs Game Info

Game time: 1:10 p.m. ET
TV channel: CleGuardians.TV and MARQ
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Stadium: Progressive Field

Guardians vs. Cubs Injury News

Cleveland Guardians Injury Report

George Valera 10 Day Injury List (CALF)

Hunter Gaddis 15 Day Injury List (FOREARM)

Andrew Walters 15 Day Injury List (LAT)

Chicago Cubs Injury Report

Cade Horton 15 Day Injury List (Forearm)
Christopher Austin 60 Day Injury List (Knee)
Jordan Wicks 15 Day Injury List (Forearm)
Shelby Miller 60 Day Injury List (Elbow)
Seiya Suzuki 10 Day Injury List (Knee)
Justin Steele 60 Day Injury List (Elbow)
Porter Hodge 15 Day Injury List (Elbow)

Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago Cubs Lineup

Cleveland Guardians Lineup

Steven Kwan (L) CF
Chase DeLauter (L) RF
José Ramírez (S) DH
Kyle Manzardo (L) 1B
Bo Naylor (L) C
Daniel Schneemann (L) 3B
Brayan Rocchio (S) 2B
Gabriel Arias (R) SS
CJ Kayfus (L) LF

Chicago Cubs Lineup

Michael Busch (L) 1B
Alex Bregman (R) DH
Ian Happ (S) LF
Pete Crow-Armstrong (L) CF
Nico Hoerner (R) 2B
Dansby Swanson (R) SS
Michael Conforto (L) RF
Matt Shaw (R) 3B
Miguel Amaya (R) C

Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago Cubs Pitching Matchup:

Cleveland Guardians:

Slade Cecconi

RHP
0-1, 12.46 ERA, 5 SO

Chicago Cubs:

Edward Cabrera

RHP
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 SO

The post MLB Scores: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians – April 5th, 2026; Edward Cabrera vs Slade Cecconi | Live Cubs-Guardians Score, Play-by Play, Chat, & More appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs do not have a deep prospect pool in terms of top talent.

They have made some trades to improve the MLB team using prospects, weakening the minor league system. However, they have shown the ability to discover and develop talent.

Let’s take a closer look at how one outlet ranks the Cubs’ farm system entering the season.

Bleacher Report shows a significant drop-off in the Chicago Cubs farm system from last season

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote an article ranking each team’s farm system heading into the 2026 season, ranking the Cubs as having the No. 21 farm system in the MLB.

He highlighted the top 10 Cubs prospects, where they do a snapshot of pitcher Jaxon Wiggins. Below is what he wrote regarding the Cubs and highlighting Wiggins:

“The Cubs have not always had success developing arms in recent years, but Cade Horton bucked that trend, and Wiggins could be their next success story. The 24-year-old logged a 2.19 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 78 innings while reaching Triple-A last year, and his 70-grade fastball/60-grade slider pairing gives him true swing-and-miss stuff.”

Bleacher Report also has this listed as the team’s top 10 prospects, which they have as this:

1. C Moises Ballesteros
2. RHP Jaxon Wiggins
3. SS Jefferson Rojas
4. OF Ethan Conrad
5. OF Kevin Alcantara
6. 1B Jonathon Long
7. OF Kane Kepley
8. IF Pedro Ramirez
9. OF Josiah Hartshorn
10. C Owen Ayers

This is a significant drop from where they were on Bleacher Report’s list one year ago, ranking eighth. However, they did make some moves, trading away prospects.

Chicago dealt some prospects, including Owen Cassie, for Edward Cabrera this offseason. Having that happen, as well as some prospects like Cade Horton being elevated off the list, significantly weakened the prospect depth right now.

It will be intriguing to see how the front office drafts and develops some young talent to help bolster the major league roster in the next handful of seasons.

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The 2026 MLB season is just over a week old and while there is a long ways to go until October, we can still learn some things. For the Chicago Cubs, they are the only NL Central team below .500 as they enter Sunday’s double-header at Cleveland with a 3-4 record.

The Cubs struggled with the Washington Nationals before winning a series against the Los Angeles Angels. And while it is early on, there’s been some pitching woes for the team.

Right now, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the division at 6-2 but it’s a log jam behind them. No one is really out of it but the Brewers’ hot start shows they aren’t ready to give it up just yet. And one MLB analyst and former player believes that’s true as well.

Dontrelle Willis believes Milwaukee Brewers are the team to beat in NL Central for Chicago Cubs

Following Saturday’s Kansas City Royals win over the Milwaukee Brewers, former MLB pitcher Dontrelle Willis spoke on the NL Central. Despite the loss, the second of the year for the Brewers, Willis says the NL Central will go through Milwaukee.

“They play clean, they are going to put pressure on the opposition, that’s what they do. They have been consistently getting off to good starts year after year under Pat Murphy. No different this year,” Willis said. “I think the Central is going to have to go through Milwaukee. I’m sorry Cubs fans, but they have something going on up in Milwaukee.”

“I think the central is gonna have to go through Milwaukee. I’m sorry Cubs fans”@DTrainMLB likes the way the Brewers have started the 2026 season pic.twitter.com/pigxLa9De4

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 5, 2026

It’s still very early so it’s hard to make any judgement just yet. The Cubs won’t stay in last place all season long and things should balance out, so there’s no need to panic.

However, it’s hard to envision Milwaukee just giving up the division without a fight. Willis is right in the sense that Murphy is a damn good manager, which will keep the Brewers in this for the long haul.

The post Former MLB pitcher believes Chicago Cubs will have to chase this team in NL Central appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton looked distraught Friday afternoon in Cleveland when he walked off the field in the second inning of his start against the Guardians, suffering from what was described as “forearm discomfort.” Moments earlier, he had indicated to the dugout that things didn’t feel right, physically.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Is it already time to sound the starting pitching alarm?

“I just wanted to be smart about it,” Horton said. “I’ve been in this spot before and I’ve taken the other route where I keep going, and it ends up being worse. So, I just tried to make a mature decision and end it there.”

The 24-year-old was expected to do big things this year after a breakthrough rookie season in 2025 that saw him perform as, arguably, the best pitcher in all of baseball after the All-Star break.

Manager Craig Counsell told media after the game that Horton to will get imaging to see the extent of the injury and will also be placed on the 15-day IL as he’s being assessed.

Who could take Horton’s spot?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Base thievery may be low-key secret to 2026 success

Now, however, the talk must turn to the future. Specifically, how to fill the young arm’s spot in a Cubs rotation that needs the kind of impact starter Horton was expected to be.

Veteran Colin Rea was brought in to replace Horton on Friday and it’s thought that he’ll likely be the full-time replacement until the team knows what’s in their injured pitcher’s immediate future. Last season, Rea was solid as the team’s full-time rotation fill-in, posting a 10-7 record with a 4.33 ERA in 27 starts.

Chicago also has Ben Brown and Javier Assad as possible rotation fill-ins.

Then, of course, ace Justin Steele is slated to return some time before mid-season.

But if Horton is lost for any extended period of time, the Cubs may have no choice but to reach out and try to pick up somebody outside of the organization.

Some people already have an idea of who that outside pickup should be—Lucas Giolito.

Lucas Giolito to the rescue?

In the Friday night edition of MLB Tonight, the host brought up that exact possibility:

“I keep reminding myself that Lucas Giolito is still sitting out there without a team,” he said, following the segment talking about Horton’s injury.

“He might be a Cub,” replied analyst Harold Reynolds.

Jacob Zanolla of Bleacher Nation also brought up the Giolito possibility:

“The Cubs could look to someone outside of the organization, and there does happen to be one (relatively) legitimate arm still available: Lucas Giolito.

Giolito, 31, made 25 starts for the Red Sox last season, pitching to a 3.41 ERA over 145.0 IP. But while that seems encouraging, a quick peek under the hood reveals the more troubling peripherals that are probably conspiring to keep him a free agent this long: 5.01 xERA, 4.17 FIP. But in terms of emergency fill-in options, you could do a whole lot worse than Giolito.”

Last season with the Red Sox, the 31-year-old Giolito had a good year, stats-wise. But, as Zanolla mentions, maybe the raw numbers don’t tell the full story of what’s under the 9-year veteran’s hood. There has to be a reason, after all, why he’s still unsigned when starting pitching is such an MLB-wide priority.

It remains to be seen whether he’d even be much of an upgrade over the pitchers the Cubs already have lined up as fill-ins.

But he’s somebody definitely worth looking into for a Cubs rotation already showcasing some weakness just days into the season.

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To no surprise, the Chicago Cubs made a roster move with Cade Horton heading to the IL. It’s not the Jaxon Wiggins promotion some hoped for, but rather calling up lefthanded pitcher Riley Martin. Martin, 28, has been on the Cubs 40-man roster and got some playing time in Spring Training. The native of Salem, Illinois, and 2021 sixth-round pick out of Quincy University, has an interesting story and will now be getting ready to pitch in the Majors for the first time in his career.

The Cubs are calling up LHP Riley Martin, as @SchuckSports first reported.

He was set to go to pharmacy school six years ago, then the pandemic happened and he went from D2 to the Cubs.

Chronicled his story last spring:https://t.co/3g6W5UmBhi

— Andy Martínez (@amartinez_11) April 4, 2026

Martin joining the Cubs

Martin once had his eye on a career in pharmacy before the COVID-19 pandemic, but now he will join the Chicago Cubs to add pitching depth to the team. Since being drafted out of D2 ball, Martin has accumulated 282.2 innings in the Cubs system, pitching to a 3.76 ERA, 1.4 WHIP, 13.1 K/9, and 5.7 BB/9. He’s spent the last two seasons in Iowa and is coming off a very good 2025 season with a 2.69 ERA and 1.2 WHIP in 47 appearances.

It’s worth noting he has only made three starts in his Minor League career. Though he made a start last Tuesday, pitching 3.0 innings and giving up one run. He has been getting more stretched out, so he can be used in a “swing” role alongside Colin Rea. Given his being on the 40-man roster and Wiggins’ professional experience still being fairly light, it’s clear why they went with Martin for now.

Martin is a fastball, curve, slider, and occasional change-up pitcher. The fastball and curve are his primary pitches, with his heater sitting in the low-mid 90s (93-94 MPH). His strikeout numbers throughout his MiLB career are very good (410 strikeouts in 282.2 IP), and he’s limited the homers (0.8 HR/9). A weakness that stands out is the walks (178 in 282.2 IP).

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The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 season with significant depth in the area of starting pitching. While analysts weren’t blown away with the high-end potential of the rotation as a whole, most everyone agreed that the team’s strength was in its depth.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Base thievery may be low-key secret to 2026 success

Chicago started the regular season with five established starters (Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon) on the Opening Day roster, along with two rotation-capable swingmen (Colin Rea and Ben Brown). Reliable swingman Javier Assad was assigned to start the season in Triple-A Iowa, but would only be a phone call away from Wrigley. Jordan Wicks was also a name tossed about as a possible rotation fill-in. Meanwhile, ace Justin Steele is slated to make his return in May-June.

All told, that makes ten potential starters in the mix for a season where big things are expected.

Now, there’s talk that, maybe, the Cubs won’t have the rotation horses after all.

Horton’s injury spotlights Cubs rotation weak points

More News: Is Chicago Cubs manager tipping new Dodgers-style late-season pitching strategy?

Cade Horton’s forearm injury on Friday and subsequent placement on the 15-day IL is the biggest cause for alarm right now, of course. The 24-year-old right-hander was expected to be an ace-level presence on the mound after a second-half of 2025 that saw him emerge as an elite starter.

But Horton has been injury prone throughout his young career. Last year, he was shut down with a fractured rib late in the regular season and would miss the playoffs entirely. In 2024, he was shut down around mid-season with a shoulder injury. He already has a Tommy John surgery in his past.

At best, Horton had to be seen as a question mark when it came to full season duty.

New Cub Edward Cabrera also has a history of injury, with two stints on the IL just last year.

Matthew Boyd, regarded as injury-prone as well, pitched a full season last year, but it was his first 100+ inning campaign since 2019.

Shota Imanaga got smacked around a bit over the second half of last season and also got smacked around in his first start of this season.

Jameson Taillon got crushed during Cactus League play and looked touchable in his first official start of 2026.

Big problems ahead?

If one of the Cubs’ top starters falters and/or is forced to the IL for a long stretch of time, things will get rough. If a couple starters fall out, there’ll be huge problems. Because, yes, the Cubs have depth, but they’ll need more than seat-fillers. Rea, Brown, and Assad are solid, but there’s a reason they weren’t regarded as rotation fixtures.

For now, as Horton is assessed, the 35-year-old Rea will likely fill the young arm’s spot. The veteran was solid last season as the designated rotation-filler, with a 10-7 record in 27 starts and a 4.33 ERA (11-7, 3.95 ERA overall).

Chicago could do a lot worse when it comes to temporary replacements. But Rea doesn’t bring what Horton brings and “good enough for now” is not what an aspiring championship team needs near the top of their rotation.

For now, it’s reasonable to be alarmed about the team’s starting pitching, especially considering that the season is just beginning and a lot more could happen.

The post Chicago Cubs: Is it already time to sound the starting pitching alarm? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton exited his start on Friday with apparent forearm discomfort and will head to the injured list.

More News: Chicago Cubs: PCA data suggests a monstrous 2026 may be on the way

Manager Craig Counsell said Horton will stay with the team one more day and travel back to Chicago for imaging. According to Counsell, Horton said he felt discomfort start in his right wrist, which moved up into his forearm. It was ultimately Horton’s decision to stop pitching, as to not do any further harm. 

Craig Counsell said Cade Horton felt discomfort in his wrist that moved to his forearm, and he will travel to Chicago to get it checked out.

An upcoming roster move is likely. https://t.co/oVdej2xNVf pic.twitter.com/oZ9lGdSsWe

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 3, 2026

The Cubs will make a roster move in the coming days with Horton going on the injured list. The Cubs have until April 8 before Horton’s spot comes up again. Horton was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and had four strikeouts in 7.1 innings.

Despite Cade Horton’s injury, the Chicago Cubs have options

Since the Cubs need another quality starter to fill in for Horton, they need to look no further than Javier Assad. Despite having a great spring, a 1.35 ERA in three games, Assad was optioned to Triple-A due to not having a spot.

Since joining the Iowa Cubs, Assad has struggled, allowing seven earned runs in seven innings (two starts). Even though Assad hasn’t done well, he’d be a quality inning-eater if and until Horton returns.

Right-hander Ben Brown is another option to fill in for the short term. Brown has done well out of the bullpen, having a 2.70 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings.

However, in 114.2 innings as a starter, Brown has struggled, posting a 5.26 ERA. Since Brown’s stuff is more suited for the bullpen, the Cubs bringing up Assad and keeping Brown where he is seems like the best plan.

The post Chicago Cubs manager provides an update on Cade Horton appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have one of the better starting rotations in baseball, but the depth may be tested rather quickly.

Cade Horton, a promising young starter, was starting Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, but was pulled early with an injury. Let’s take a closer look at what we know at this point and what it could mean going forward.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton leaves the game with right forearm discomfort

Horton was today’s starter for the Cubs as they begin their road series with the Guardians. He looked sharp in the first inning, but the second inning saw some issues. Horton would throw a 93.8 mph fastball to Bo Naylor and immediately look into the dugout. The trainer and manager Craig Counsell would come out, and Horton would exit the game.

Marquee Sports’ Taylor McGregor would say on the broadcast that he had “tears in his eyes” as he was heading to the clubhouse. The team would officially call the injury right forearm discomfort. Unfortunately, the mind immediately jumps to Tommy John with forearm injuries, but it’s important to note that nothing has been announced at this point.

Horton is coming off a promising 2025 season as a rookie, finishing second in the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year voting. If he is going to miss extended time due to the injury, expect Javier Assad to get called up. He has been pitching in Triple-A and is on the same schedule as Horton has been in terms of starts.

It will be interesting to see what the latest updates for Horton will be. We will likely not find out until after the game concludes when we hear from Counsell.

The post Cade Horton exits start with right forearm discomfort vs. Cleveland Guardians appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made a lot of moves this past offseason and are now about a week into a 2026 campaign where big things are expected.

More News: Is Chicago Cubs manager tipping new Dodgers-style late-season pitching strategy?

The biggest move, of course, was the signing of three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

They finally pulled the trigger on a trade with the Miami Marlins for emerging powerhouse pitcher Edward Cabrera, who they had been eyeing already for the better part of two seasons.

They also restocked a depleted bullpen with the signing of four free agent relievers (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey).

They even secured the future of the franchise with big-money six-year extensions for centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Despite a tepid start to the 2026 campaign, most would agree that this Cubs team looks deep and all-around good. The starting rotation is deep, the bullpen is versatile, the defense is elite, the offensive firepower is also there.

Speed kills—opposition

More News: Chicago Cubs trade deemed both smartest and dumbest move of offseason

One overlooked strength, though, could be the key to next-level success this season—speed. Specifically, speed as it pertains to having an aggressive mindset on the bases and the ability to pile up stolen bases.

Third base coach Quintin Berry is one of the key leaders in that area, tasked, along with first base coach Jose Javier, with getting the Cubs moving on base.

Last season, Chicago was tied for third in all of baseball with 161 stolen bases in 196 attempts, marking a near elite-level success rate just above the 82% mark. This season, the team is 7-for-7 in stolen base tries.

Berry came over from manager Craig Counsell’s old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, for the 2025 season in a thus far successful attempt at replicating the Brewers’ aggressive mindset on the bases. A former Cub, himself, Berry spent his MLB playing days as a baserunning specialist.

The Cubs’ baserunning specialist

The Chicago Sun-Times recently talked with him about his role in getting the Cubs moving.

“I’m more of a peace of mind [guy] — peace for [Crow-Armstrong],’’ Berry said. “Just like, what is he thinking, what’s he doing with his body. How to keep him relaxed and be confident.

“A lot of times, guys want to be quick. They’re trying so hard. I think the harder you try, the more tense you get, the more locked up, and then you see things that aren’t there, and then you get real passive, or you get real jumpy.

“So I’m just trying to make guys feel confident, confident and comfortable.’’

While home runs and strikeouts get most of the fan and media love, stealing bases and being able to get an extra bag here and there is such an overlooked asset in baseball. It adds a level of extra pressure to an opponent and forces them to operate outside their original plan. And the Cubs have been built with an eye on speed. Up and down the lineup, with the exception of maybe two spots, there’s some serious running ability present.

Could this ability to steal bases prove to be the deciding factor in how this season finishes? As always, time will tell.

The post Chicago Cubs: Base thievery may be low-key secret to 2026 success appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs, early this season, appear to be very cognizant of what their postseason should look like and how best to optimize a run at a championship. Last year, the focus seemed to be on just making the postseason.

More News: Chicago Cubs trade deemed both smartest and dumbest move of offseason

In 2025, pitching injuries hobbled their playoff run. By the time they reached the NLDS, they were down to, maybe, two reliable starters and two or three trusted relievers. It was a sobering reality that played out at the tail end of an otherwise tremendous season.

In 2026, however, the pitching focus has seemingly shifted to depth and to pacing themselves for a more pitching-powerful postseason.

That, maybe especially, means keeping an eye on the workload of the team’s younger starters and using their long relief to greater benefit early in the season.

That mindset seemed evident in the first starts of Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera.

An early focus on workload

More News: Chicago Cubs: PCA data suggests a monstrous 2026 may be on the way

Both young arms were cooking into the sixth inning with a minimal pitch count. Manager Craig Counsell opted to take both out of their respective games.

Horton and Cabrera do have a history of injury and durability issues, so it’s no surprise that Counsell would want to be cautious with both. Horton, for example, was shut down late in the season and missed the playoffs entirely with a rib injury, after a sizzling post-All-Star break run. But Counsell’s own words to the media after the Horton game reveal, perhaps, more of a long-term team goal than a simple focus on the health of one young arm.

“If you look at history,” Counsell said, “the first three weeks of the season for pitchers are pretty delicate.”

Counsell has also talked about the benefit of having starter-capable pitchers such as Ben Brown and Colin Rea on the team.

“Having a pair of experienced starters filling in the long-reliever role is a luxury for a team,” Counsell said.

“Early in the season, we thought it could be valuable. With unforeseen weather and being cautious with the starters, I think it’s worked out and will continue to be an asset the next couple of weeks.”

It’s been speculated that the Cubs may be trying to adopt a 2025 Dodgers strategy to managing their starting corps, one where the team is ultra conservative with their starters in order to bring a strong and rested rotation into the playoffs.

Adopting the 2025 Dodgers strategy?

Last season, the Dodgers’ rotation was strained throughout much of the regular season due to injury, with only Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering more than 112.2 innings as a starter.

They were then careful and judicious with the return of injured/recovering starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and even Shohei Ohtani. Ultimately, they were able to reintroduce all three to the rotation just in time for a strong pennant push and then the postseason.

The strategy paid off as Yamamoto and the fresh, strong threesome of Glasnow, Blake, and Ohtani accounted for more than 68% of the innings pitched in the postseason en route to another World Series win for the Dodgers.

The Cubs don’t have the studs the Dodgers did, but they do have big-time depth. The team currently has seven possible starters on the big league roster and Javier Assad in Iowa, with recovering ace Justin Steele set to make his return before mid-season.

If the workload is handled just right, it’s almost a guarantee that Chicago will be able to put together a very nice four-man rotation for what they hope to be a deep postseason run.

Last season, they really didn’t have that luxury of depth—and they ultimately paid the price. This season, they’re angling for a much different end to the season.

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