The Chicago Cubs' bullpen has been taxed so far this season. In fact, the relievers have almost thrown as many innings as the starters so far in 2024. With that in mind, the Cubs recalled RHP Hayden Wesneski and RHP Colten Brewer from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday to shore up the pen. RHP Daniel Palencia and LHP Luke Little have been sent down to make room for the pair on the major-league roster.
In addition to the promotions, the Cubs have transferred RHP Julian Merryweather to the 60-day IL to make room for Brewer on the 40-man roster.
Wesneski has been a starter for the Iowa Cubs, and his only relief appearance came as a piggyback to Jameson Taillon in his rehab start. So far, Wesneski is carrying a 2.53 ERA in Iowa.
As for Brewer, he's been an option out of the Iowa Cubs' bullpen this season. The Cubs signed him to a minor-league contract this offseason with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
In six games at Triple-A, Brewer has pitched to a 1.17 ERA. Both names are well-needed after Luke Little, Drew Smyly, Adbert Alzolay, Yency Almonte, and Mark Leiter Jr. all threw on multiple days in a row. More likely than not, we will see one or both of these additions in Wednesday's game following Jordan Wicks.
The Cubs finish up their west coast trip with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday before returning home for seven games in eight days beginning on Thursday against the Miami Marlins and Houston Astros.
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