Chicago Cubs

Phil Maton

RP

The Cubs have yet to decide whether to build Maton up for a late-season return or shut him down for the year, though the team is expected to make a decision within the next week or so. In the meantime, the Cubs will stash him away on the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man spot for Gabriel Arias, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday.

Gavin Hollowell

RP

Counsell didn't offer any specifics regarding where Hollowell stands in his progression, but the skipper noted that the right-hander ended up being shut down from throwing a little longer than anticipated after hitting the shelf July 31 due to shoulder inflammation. Deployed mostly in lower-leverage spots during his time with the Cubs this season, Hollowell has collected one save and one hold while pitching to a 2.51 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 14.1 innings out of the bullpen.

Ben Brown

RP

Facing hitters will represent the final box for Brown to check in his recovery from a stress reaction in his neck before heading out on a rehab assignment. Prior to landing on the injured list June 24, Brown had excelled after transitioning from the bullpen to a starting role in early May, but it's unclear if the Cubs will have room for him in the rotation once he's ready to return from the shelf. Though Edward Cabrera (finger) landed back on the IL on Monday and is slated to serve as a reliever when he eventually returns, the Cubs still have Javier Assad, Colin Rea and David Peterson on hand as viable options to fill the vacancy in the rotation.

Daniel Palencia

RP

The Cubs have deemed Palencia fit to rejoin the big club after he capped his five-appearance minor-league rehab assignment on a high note Sunday, when he gave up one hit and struck out three of the four batters he faced for Triple-A Iowa. Palencia had been serving as the Cubs' primary closer prior to landing on the shelf June 16 due to a right elbow flexor strain, but it's unclear if he'll immediately reclaim those duties upon his return. Jacob Webb has been lights out at the back of the Chicago bullpen, converting seven consecutive save chances while permitting no runs over his last 23 appearances.

Riley Martin

RP

Martin has been shelved since late April with a left flexor strain. He's had difficulty recovering from his throwing sessions, and if that continues, surgery will become an option. Even if Martin doesn't go under the knife, he won't be a candidate to pitch again in 2026.

Hunter Harvey

RP

Harvey has been out nearly all season, first due to right triceps inflammation and then because of a stress reaction in his triceps/shoulder area. The reliever has been throwing off a mound this month, but he doesn't look close to facing hitters or going out on a rehab assignment.

Justin Steele

SP

Steele had UCL revision surgery last May and was nearing a rehab assignment when he suffered a flexor strain in late April. He resumed throwing off the mound Aug. 1 and is nearly ready to face hitters, presumably in a live batting practice session. Steele won't have enough time to ramp up for a starter's workload, but he has a chance to help the Cubs as a reliever in September.

Kevin Gausman

SP

Gausman was seen looking at his non-pitching hand in the top of the fourth inning and was removed from the game the following inning after Miguel Vargas singled with one out in the fifth. It sounds like Gausman should be ready to take the ball his next turn through the rotation after surrendering three runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts on 86 pitches across 4.1 frames against the White Sox.

Matt Shaw

RF

Shaw was cleared to resume his hitting program in early August after suffering a setback during his recovery from a left hand sprain. The additional rest appears to have paid off, and assuming Monday's workout goes well, Shaw will take the next step in his rehab program by starting an assignment in Triple-A.

Dansby Swanson

SS

Swanson is facing a 4-to-6 week recovery timeline due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain that he suffered during the Cubs' 11-4 loss to the Cardinals. It's possible that Swanson is back with the team during the last week of the regular season, though he may not be cleared to return to major-league action until the postseason, if the Cubs qualify. The Cubs selected Owen Miller's contract from Triple-A Iowa to provide infield depth, but Nico Hoerner figures to be Chicago's everyday shortstop for as long as Swanson is on the shelf.

Edward Cabrera

SP

Cabrera made his return to the Cubs on Sunday after spending nearly two months on the shelf while recovering from a left hamstring strain. The right-hander struggled out of the gate, surrendering a two-run home run to Alec Burleson in the first inning. The day didn't get much better from there, as Cabrera worked through traffic throughout the game and needed 77 pitches to record his 11 outs. The blister may have been a factor in Cabrera's struggles and could prompt the Cubs to reconsider his role, as manager Craig Counsell was non-committal after the game regarding whether the 28-year-old would receive another turn through the rotation or move to the bullpen. Cabrera previously landed on the injured list in May due to a similar issue.

Shelby Miller

RP

Miller has made remarkable progress in his recovery from Oct. 13 surgery to repair a torn right UCL tendon and flexor tendon. Though a complex procedure of that nature would normally keep a pitcher out for a full season, Miller would appear to have a strong chance at returning from the 60-day injured list by late August or early September after moving through his throwing progression without any setbacks and advancing to the final stage of his recovery process. Miller will stockpile appearances and will likely need to pitch on consecutive days at Iowa at some point over the next few weeks before the Cubs consider adding him to the big-league bullpen.

Hoby Milner

RP

Milner has been sidelined a little more than a month following an emergency appendectomy. It's unclear whether the Cubs have additional rehab appearances planned for the lefty, but his reinstatement from the 15-day injured list should come soon.

Porter Hodge

RP

Hodge will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery Tuesday, so the Cubs will stash him away on the 60-day IL and give his 40-man roster spot to Nicky Lopez.

Cade Horton

SP

Horton will miss roughly 16 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery Thursday, so the Cubs will stash him away on the 60-day IL for the rest of the year. Corbin Martin was selected from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Tyler Austin

1B

Austin underwent a patellar tendon debridement procedure on his right knee in February. He remains without a return timeline, but his move to the 60-day IL ensures he'll remain out until at least late May. His spot on the 40-man roster will be handed to Dylan Carlson, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move.