After losing the series in San Francisco, the Chicago Cubs are switching things up in their bullpen both by choice and necessity. On Friday, Keegan Thompson was placed on the IL with a right rib fracture. It's not the best news, but it now opens up a spot for newest Cub Jorge Lopez.
Lopez has spent time with Triple-A Iowa ever since he signed with the team in June. The Cubs will likely lean heavily on the veteran while Thompson remains on the shelf.
It's unclear as to how long Thompson will remain out, but his 3.50 ERA will definitely be a spot to fill in this struggling bullpen. After a down 2023 season, Thompson seems to be getting back on track with what he gave in his rookie campaign.
In other news, the team has called up Ethan Roberts while DFA'ing recently acquired pitcher Vinny Nittoli. It's another sign that the Cubs are looking for answers from a middling bullpen.
For Roberts, it has been a long road in his return to MLB. The 26-year-old last appeared in 2022 during his rookie campaign. His stats on that season were nothing special before Tommy John surgery sidelined him for an extended period of time.
It's a feel good story for him and the Cubs will hope that his return sparks something in the bullpen. To make room for Roberts, the team has let a pitcher signed on Thursday go.
Vinny Nittoli was brought in as more reinforcements, but it now appears he will be off the 40-man roster and sent to Triple-A Iowa if he goes unclaimed.
It's a positive sign that the Cubs are trying new things in the face of adversity. If Lopez and Roberts can succeed, it will go a long way in turning this disaster of a season around.
