Chicago Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera is expected to return from the injured list in a late-inning relief role, according to a report Thursday from team insider Bruce Levine.
The development means the Cubs’ current starting rotation will remain intact for the time being, featuring Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes and David Peterson.
“Edward Cabrera will be used as a late inning reliever when he’s back from the IL,” Levine indicated, as reported by the account Cubs Daily.
Cabrera, 28, has been sidelined since late June with a left hamstring and adductor strain. The injury occurred during a start against the New York Mets when he stretched for a throw at first base and was carted off the field. He was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day.
Before that setback, Cabrera had already missed time earlier in the 2026 season with a blister on his right middle finger. In 14 starts this year, he posted a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, allowing 72 hits and 14 home runs over 72 1/3 innings while striking out 65 batters.
The Dominican Republic native was acquired by the Cubs from the Miami Marlins in a January trade that sent outfielder Owen Caissie and two other prospects to Florida. Cabrera brought a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a track record of missing bats, though consistency and durability have long been concerns.
His return as a reliever comes as the Cubs navigate a competitive stretch in the National League Central. Chicago entered Thursday’s action with a 71-50 record, sitting second in the division and firmly in playoff contention with strong odds of securing a postseason berth.
The rotation received a significant boost at the trade deadline earlier this month. The Cubs obtained Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a pair of prospects and added Holmes from the New York Mets in a separate deal. Both veterans have slotted into the starting five alongside holdovers Imanaga, Boyd and Peterson.
Keeping that group together provides stability as the team pushes toward October. Cabrera’s high-velocity arsenal could prove valuable in shorter outings out of the bullpen, particularly in high-leverage situations during the late innings.
The Cubs’ relief corps has dealt with its own injury issues this season. Closer Daniel Palencia has spent time on the injured list with elbow inflammation and other ailments, forcing the team to shuffle roles among available arms.
Cabrera has progressed steadily through his rehab assignment. Recent outings with Triple-A Iowa and lower affiliates have shown encouraging results, including strong strikeout totals and limited baserunners in limited innings. Manager Craig Counsell has previously expressed optimism about the pitcher’s recovery timeline, with a return possible in the coming days or weeks.
Moving a former starter into a relief role is not uncommon for clubs seeking to maximize talent during a pennant race. The reduced workload could help Cabrera stay healthier while still contributing to a pitching staff that has been a key factor in the Cubs’ success.
Chicago’s front office has emphasized depth throughout the season. With multiple arms capable of starting or relieving, the organization gains flexibility as the schedule intensifies in the final six weeks of the regular season.
Fans and analysts will closely monitor how Cabrera performs in his new capacity. His ability to miss bats and generate swing-and-miss with his fastball and secondary pitches could make him a weapon in the seventh, eighth or ninth innings.
The Cubs continue to balance long-term health with short-term needs. By deploying Cabrera as a late-inning option rather than immediately reinserting him into the rotation, the team prioritizes both the pitcher’s recovery and the established starters who have carried the load.
As the season heads into its critical phase, every available arm counts. Cabrera’s impending return offers another layer of support for a club determined to make a deep postseason run.
