The Chicago Cubs released 21-year-old right-hander Jhon Rosario from their Single-A affiliate on Friday as the club opened a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
The Reds took the series opener 10-8, dropping the Cubs to 76-59. Game 2 is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CDT on Saturday.
Via MiLB.com: “Myrtle Beach Pelicans released RHP Jhon Rosario.”
Rosario, born Sept. 21, 2004, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, signed with the Cubs as an international free agent on March 1, 2024.
He spent his first two professional seasons pitching exclusively at the rookie level. Rosario opened the 2026 campaign back in rookie ball with the Arizona Complex League Cubs before earning a promotion to Myrtle Beach on June 2.
The right-hander found the jump to full-season ball difficult. In 15 appearances for the Pelicans, he went 0-1 with a 10.25 ERA and 2.01 WHIP over 26 1/3 innings. He allowed 33 hits and 20 walks while striking out 20 batters and surrendering five home runs.
Across three minor league seasons, Rosario has compiled a 6-4 record with a 6.31 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 77 innings spanning 46 games. His career includes a strong 2.30 ERA in the Dominican Summer League in 2024 and a 5.40 mark in the ACL the following year.
At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Rosario throws right-handed and bats right-handed. He never appeared in a major league game and remained off the Cubs’ 40-man roster throughout his time in the organization.
The release comes as the Cubs continue to manage depth in the lower levels of their farm system. Rosario’s numbers at Myrtle Beach stood out as among the higher ERAs for pitchers who received extended opportunities in the Carolina League this season.
Chicago has lost three consecutive games after dropping the final two contests of a series in Arizona earlier this week. The Cubs sit 7 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central race.
They currently hold a 1 1/2-game edge over the Philadelphia Phillies for the top National League wild-card position. The club’s overall pitching staff carries a 4.09 ERA through 134 games.
After Saturday’s afternoon contest, the Cubs and Reds will close the series with a Sunday night game that is set for national television on NBC. Chicago then welcomes the division-leading Brewers for a four-game set beginning Monday at Wrigley Field.
Rosario’s departure marks another roster adjustment at the Single-A level as the Cubs evaluate which young arms remain part of their long-term plans. International signees often face steep learning curves when advancing through the minors, and Rosario’s control issues and elevated home-run rate at Myrtle Beach contributed to the decision.
The Cubs have emphasized developing pitching depth throughout the organization in recent years. Moves such as this one free roster spots for other prospects while allowing released players the chance to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Rosario remains free to sign with any other organization. At 21, he still has time to refine his command and secondary pitches if another club sees potential worth developing.
Chicago’s focus now shifts fully to the Reds series and the important stretch of games that follows against Milwaukee. The coming week could prove pivotal in determining how the Cubs position themselves for the final month of the regular season.
