Chicago Cubs Face Pitching Challenges Amid Player Injuries and Changes

Caleb Thielbar’s Struggles and Hopes

Caleb Thielbar, a 39-year-old left-handed reliever for the Chicago Cubs, finds humor despite a challenging period on the mound. Thielbar began the series against the Washington Nationals without issuing a walk in his last 15 appearances, avoiding walks since June 29. He jokingly reflected on this achievement before Tuesday’s game.

However, during these 15 appearances, Thielbar holds a 7.30 ERA, allowing 10 runs on 18 hits, including five home runs. His performance metrics, similar to his strong 2025 season, create confusion. He continues to strike out batters, tallying 15 strikeouts in his last 12 1/3 innings. He has also increased his average fastball velocity by 0.5 mph compared to last year.

“I’m trying not to overthink it,” Thielbar told the Tribune. “I know strikeout rate and walk rate often predict success, but it’s not happening. I’m just trying to hold on until things improve.”

This season, Thielbar has been less fortunate than last year. His Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABIP) was .226 in 2025 but currently stands at .314. He allowed two runs on three hits in 1/3 of an inning in a recent game against the Royals. Despite having a career-high hard-hit rate of 40.6%, he allowed no hard-hit balls in that game.

“It’s hard to call it progress, but at least balls weren’t hit hard everywhere,” Thielbar said. “I don’t focus too much on the mental aspect. Get good rest and return with a positive attitude.”

Thielbar’s command has suffered, resulting in too many hittable pitches left in the zone. The Cubs aim to return him to his previous year’s form, where he was a dependable high-leverage reliever. Allowing home runs has posed a significant problem, with Thielbar giving up a career-high 10 home runs this season over 35 2/3 innings.

Manager Craig Counsell examines factors affecting performance, such as pitch selection and sequencing. Despite similar pitch shapes and velocity as in 2025, the results are less favorable.

“It’s clearly an issue,” Counsell said. “But Caleb will still need to get big outs. He’s our best matchup in some scenarios.”

Phil Maton’s Uncertain Return

Phil Maton, another veteran reliever, remains hopeful of returning this season but faces a significant knee issue. Maton, dealing with a partially torn patellar tendon, casts doubt on his ability to contribute by year-end.

Initially diagnosed as tendinitis, Maton’s knee problems have resurfaced. Maton described persistent knee soreness from the previous season during his time with the Texas Rangers. He regrets skipping imaging last offseason, assuming soreness was due to overuse.

No problems arose during the offseason throwing program, and nothing was flagged during medical evaluations before signing with the Cubs. The knee discomfort returned in spring training, leading to imaging revealing the tendon tear. With a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on July 21, the Cubs and Maton will soon decide on his future availability. He’s throwing on flat ground but hasn’t returned to the mound.

The assessment at the end of August will reveal if Maton’s knee can handle the build-up process, with an offseason procedure not yet ruled out.

Braxton Garrett’s New Beginning

Braxton Garrett, formerly of the Miami Marlins, joined the Cubs on August 3 following a trade. He embraced this new chapter and felt confident after learning how highly the Cubs president valued him.

Garrett mentioned hearing trade talks but maintained focus until the Cubs made a move. “I kept my thoughts clear, not knowing which team, and I’m satisfied with the result,” Garrett said.

Recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Garrett initially struggled with command this season, a skill he values. “I want to challenge hitters and extend outings,” Garrett stated.

In discussions with Garrett, manager Counsell outlined his short-term role as pitching insurance for the Cubs. After being called up briefly, Garrett was optioned again, opening a roster spot for another player.

Although not playing a significant role this season, the Cubs foresee Garrett’s importance growing next year. “We believe he’s in a good spot, having pitched well in Triple A,” Counsell stated.