Can Cubs fix their Ryan Zeferjahn issue?

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Can Cubs fix their Ryan Zeferjahn issue?

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 22, 2026 11:09 AM ET

When the MLB trade deadline was approaching, the Chicago Cubs were among the teams most interested in pitching help.

Chicago was aggressive in acquiring starting pitching as well as bullpen help. That bullpen help came in the form of right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels.

Zeferjahn was expected to enter a high-leverage role with the Cubs but that may soon be coming to an end with his performance thus far.

Ryan Zeferjahn has been horrendous for Chicago

Zeferjahn received the loss in Friday's extra-inning defeat against the Seattle Mariners, his first loss in a Chicago uniform. It comes on the heels of his most recent outing where he collected his first blown save since being traded.

Overall, Zeferjahn has made seven appearances with the Cubs and has gone 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA across six innings. He's allowed multiple runs in two of his seven outings, something he hadn't done since May 29.

Ryan Zeferjahn last 7 games:

7 G | 6.0 IP | 9.00 ERA | 9 H
6 ER | 4 BB | 7 K | 2.17 WHIP

On the #Angels, opponents hit .165 against him, and had just allowed 5 HR

Since joining the #Cubs, opponents have hit .346 with 2 HR allowed in 6 IP

Do the Cubs have a Zeferjahn problem?
— Wrigley Pipeline (@WrigleyPipeline) August 22, 2026

How can things get fixed?

Zeferjahn hasn't shown any signs of a decrease in velocity or spin rate on his off-speed pitches, so how exactly can the Cubs get him back to the 3.59 ERA pitcher he was with the Angels?

One route could be a 15-day IL stint for Zeferjahn to reset and figure out where things have gone wrong since being traded. The other would be moving him into much lower-leverage situations in games to relieve a bit of pressure.

Whatever the decision is, Chicago will need a productive Zeferjahn if it hopes to advance past the NLDS for the first time since 2017.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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