CHICAGO -- The Cubs had an aggressive Trade Deadline that added veteran right-handers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to the rotation, and also brought lefty Baxton Garrett into the fold as depth in Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs also have starter Edward Cabrera due to come back at some point this month.
Rotation depth has been an issue at times this season, but the Deadline moves helped reinforce a group that also has recent All-Stars in Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga and David Peterson. Javier Assad has been pitching well of late, as well, along with veteran Colin Rea. That is suddenly a solid foundation for the two-month ramp to the playoffs.
“These things will figure themselves out,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I also think we have some competition in the starting rotation right now, too. That’s kind of how we’re going to look at it. That’s how I’m looking at it a little bit, too. That’s not a bad thing.”
Cabrera suited up for Iowa on Wednesday for his second Minor League rehab start following the left hamstring/adductor strain he sustained in late June. Here’s everything you need to know about Cabrera’s rehab situation:
How did Cabrera perform?
Cabrera was sharp in his second outing with Iowa, building up to four innings and 55 pitches (41 strikes) in the performance. The hard-throwing righty allowed one hit and one unearned run, which scored on a throwing error by the pitcher. Cabrera ended with eight strikeouts and no walks in the start.
According to Statcast, Cabrera featured his five-pitch mix and displayed good velocity, averaging 97.4 mph with his four-seamer and 96.5 mph with his sinker. The righty hit a max pitch speed of 98.6 mph. Overall, Cabrera generated 11 swinging strikes, including five with his four-seamer.
What’s next?
Counsell has been consistent with saying that Cabrera will make three Minor League rehab starts at a minimum. So, barring something unexpected, the righty will make another outing for Iowa (timing to be determined). Cabrera went from 43 pitches in his first rehab start to adding a dozen more throws in this second game. That should position him to get close to 70 pitches next time out.
Expect the Cubs to have Cabrera stay in a regular rotation-type schedule while trying to find the best landing spot on the calendar for his return. If Counsell’s prediction of three outings holds true, Cabrera might be able to rejoin the Cubs at some point during the Aug. 14-19 homestand against the Cardinals and White Sox.
What else?
Cabrera’s first tour with the Cubs to date can be divided into two seven-start segments. He had a 3.27 ERA in his first seven outings (41 1/3 innings), followed by a 7.55 ERA in his next seven appearances (31 innings).
That second period included some time missed due to a blister that developed on the middle finger of his pitching hand. After Cabrera returned from that IL stint in early June, he saw a noticeable jump in fastball velocity (averaging north of 97 mph) compared to earlier in the year, leading up to the leg setback.
The Cubs would love to see the version of Cabrera who showed up in 2025 for the Marlins, who traded him to the North Siders over the offseason. The hard-throwing righty enjoyed his best season in the Majors, logging a 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts against 48 walks in 137 2/3 innings.
Gausman is scheduled to make his Cubs debut on Friday in Kansas City, with Holmes being worked into the rotation on Saturday against the Royals. Rea will be moved into the bullpen for the time being, and it is possible Assad is considered for a relief role, as well. There will be plenty for the Cubs’ pitching group to discuss when Cabrera is set for activation.