Cubs Linked to Recent All-Star Pitcher After Tuesday News Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 6:47 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs' 2025 season has gone well thus far as the Wrigley Field dwellers were scheduled to face the Washington Nationals on the road Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. ET.

Craig Counsell's team led the National League Central by four games over the St. Louis Cardinals and five games over the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of Tuesday night's matchup, which picked up buzz as the Nationals made the choice to release one of their most accomplished pitchers.

The sudden Nationals move sparked talk of a Cubs free agent pickup as Counsell's team prepared to face off against their National League rivals.

"The sudden emergence of (pitcher Drew) Pomeranz (0.00 ERA) as a key member of the pitching staff explains why the Cubs are continuing to monitor pitchers who have June opt-out clauses in their minor-league contracts, as well as relievers such as Jorge Lopez, who was recently designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals," Cubs reporter Patrick Mooney of The Athletic wrote Monday before Lopez's Tuesday release.

Lopez was also released by the New York Mets last year after throwing his glove into the crowd following his ejection.

He made the AL All-Star Team in 2022 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles but has struggled this season with an ERA of 6.57 in 24.2 innings pitched with 17 strikeouts.

The Cubs' team ERA is 14th in the Majors heading into Tuesday night's game against the Nationals.

Counsell's team has won six of their last seven games heading into the two teams' three-game series, a chance to extend their recent hot streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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