The most surprising fact about the Chicago Cubs’ relief pitching isn’t that it has been bad lately. It is that their best hope for a fix might be a starter who is now throwing 100.7 mph in a relief role. Edward Cabrera, acquired to anchor the rotation, is actually getting stronger while working out of the bullpen for Triple-A Iowa.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted the team must make a move very soon. He noted that Cabrera is healthy and has already pitched three times out of the bullpen. The manager said, “He’s healthy. He’s a healthy player. He’s pitched out of the bullpen three times now. He’s pitched a two-inning outing. He feels good.” We must sit down and discuss him. This shift in role could be the key to stopping a run of poor results.
A Velocity Spike in the Short Game
Why would a starting pitcher throw harder when he throws fewer innings? Cabrera has used his time on the injured list to fix a blister issue that plagued him earlier. The club decided to move him to the bullpen to lower his total pitch count and avoid those blisters coming back. The plan seems to be working well. In his latest outing on Wednesday, Cabrera hit 98 to 99 mph on his fastball and topped out at 100.7 mph, per Statcast data reported by MLB.com Cubs.
This speed jump changes the math for the big-league club. The Cubs relief corps has posted a 5.40 ERA since August 22, a stretch that includes a 10-inning loss to the Brewers. A pitcher who can hit triple digits in short bursts offers a different look than the current options. The conversation is clearly about bringing him up.
Starters and Relievers in the Mix
The situation is complicated because other pitchers are also returning. Justin Steele and Shelby Miller are working their way back from elbow injuries. Steele threw two innings on Thursday for Iowa, striking out three without walking a batter. He has given up six runs over 5 2/3 innings in three rehab appearances. Miller threw a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday, his 11th appearance with the minor league club.
Despite the return of starters, the bullpen needs help right now. The club signed Miller knowing he likely would not pitch in the majors in 2026, according to MLB.com Cubs. Steele underwent left elbow surgery in April 2025, a timeline that suggests a long road back. While they heal, Cabrera offers an immediate boost. His high-octane fastballs and elite changeup make him a strong option if he can keep his command in check.
The Decision Looms
Manager Craig Counsell faces a tough choice regarding how to use his arms. He noted that saying “we have to protect depth” does not hold a lot of water at this point. The team needs wins, not just insurance. That doesn’t make them easy decisions, but the data points one way. Cabrera is ready to help the major league team immediately.
The Cubs have struggled to hold leads, and the numbers back up the need for change. With a 5.40 bullpen ERA since Aug 22, the team cannot afford to wait. If Cabrera can stay healthy and keep his velocity up, he could be the arm that turns the season around. The manager said they need to talk about him, and that talk could happen before the next game starts.
