Chicago Cubs

Hunter Harvey

RP

Harvey had progressed to throwing off a mound while working his way back from ticeps inflammation, but he reported soreness after Thursday's session. An MRI revealed a stress reaction Friday, which will keep the 31-year-old shut down for the next month. A clearer timeline for his return may begin to emerge once he's cleared to restart his throwing program.

Brandon Birdsell

RP

Birdsell had elbow reconstruction surgery last summer -- he also had Tommy John surgery in high school -- and Callis reports that Birdsell will miss the entire regular season. Perhaps he will get healthy in time to participate in the Arizona Fall League or winter ball.

Jeff Brigham

RP

Brigham, 32, collected a 5.26 ERA and 42:18 K:BB over 37.2 frames with the Mets last season. He'd thrown 2.2 innings and allowed one run with four strikeouts at St. Paul before the injury. He was expected to add depth at Triple-A, but it looks like he won't be an option for several weeks or more.

Jordan Wicks

RP

Heading into spring training, Wicks was expected to vie for a spot in the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen, but he was shut down early in camp with left elbow inflammation and was later placed on the injured list. Given that Wicks tossed 37 pitches in his first rehab appearance, the Cubs may now be looking to stretch him out for a starting role, after Chicago's rotation depth has already been tested early on this season. Matthew Boyd (biceps) appears likely to beat Wicks back from the IL to reclaim a rotation spot from either Javier Assad or Colin Rea, but the Cubs may still be compelled to give Wicks a look as a starter if he continues to thrive while on assignment in Iowa.

Justin Steele

SP

The Cubs were originally anticipating an early-June return for Steele, but after suffering a setback in his rehab program Tuesday, the 30-year-old southpaw will now have another month-plus added to his time on the IL. A more precise timeline for his return may begin to emerge whenever he is cleared to resume throwing.

Matthew Boyd

SP

Boyd did not need a full repair of his meniscus, with Cubs manager Craig Counsell saying the surgery was "minor" and the club hopes to get the left-hander back in around six weeks. Jordan Wicks (elbow) and Javier Assad are candidates to grab Boyd's spot in the Cubs' rotation.

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.

Jaxon Wiggins

SP

Counsell downplayed concern about the injury, noting that the 24-year-old righty should require "just a little time down" before he returns from the shelf. One of the Cubs' top pitching prospects, Wiggins made two starts for Iowa prior to being shelved, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out 10 over eight innings.

Riley Martin

RP

Martin was placed on the 15-day injured list over the weekend due to left elbow inflammation, but it's since been reported that he'll need more than the minimum to return to full strength. The Cubs are weathering quite the injury storm in the bullpen, as Daniel Palencia (lat), Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) and Hunter Harvey (triceps) are also on the shelf.

Shelby Miller

RP

Miller inked a two-year, $2.5 million contract with Chicago earlier this month, but as expected, he will begin the 2026 campaign on the IL. The 35-year-old underwent UCL and flexor tendon surgery on his right elbow Oct. 13 and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. In a corresponding move, the Cubs claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Blue Jays.

Caleb Thielbar

RP

Thielbar had to come out of Thursday's game against the Phillies early after suffering an injury on the mound, and he'll now be forced to sit out at least another 15 days. The 39-year-old had been serving as Chicago's closer with Daniel Palencia (oblique) on the injured list, but that responsibility could be passed on to Ben Brown for the time being. Vince Velasquez was selected from Triple-A Iowa to fill the open spot in the Cubs' bullpen.

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.