Cubs Set to Welcome Back Star Pitcher from IL

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Cubs Set to Welcome Back Star Pitcher from IL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 6:06 PM ET

Reinforcements are on the way for the Chicago Cubs.

The team is stuck in a 3-12 slump over their past 15 games, including a ten-game losing streak at the end of May. But on Tuesday, the team announced that one of their top starting pitchers, Edward Cabrera, is set to return from the IL on Saturday.

Cabrera exited his May 20 start against the Milwaukee Brewers after just three innings with a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand. The hard-throwing righty previously missed time when he was a member of the Miami Marlins due to a blister on the same finger. Cabrera relies on a heavy spin rate for movement on his pitches, and this increased friction can often lead to blisters over time.

Edward Cabrera (blister on right middle finger) is on track to come off the IL and start this weekend vs. Giants.

Matthew Boyd will make another rehab start Saturday at Triple-A Iowa. If that goes well he will come off the IL and return to Cubs rotation during upcoming road trip
— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) June 2, 2026

The good news for the Cubs is that Cabrera was only on the IL for the minimum 15 days and is set to start on Saturday against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Before his blister, Cabrera had been one of Chicago's most consistent starters, posting a 3-2 record with a 4.00 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 54.0 innings of work. The Cubs acquired Cabrera in the offseason from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon.

With the Cubs already missing Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd from the rotation, the return of Cabrera will be a major boost to the beleaguered unit. It appears that Boyd is also potentially on the verge of returning to the big leagues sooner rather than later. The Cubs announced on Tuesday that the veteran southpaw would make one more rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Saturday before a decision would be made on his return.

Looking like another pitcher injury for the Cubs as Edward Cabrera exits the game in the fourth inning pic.twitter.com/RHIf0MiRFI
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 21, 2026

The Cubs currently sit in fourth place in the ultra-competitive NL Central division, although it is essentially a three-way tie with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals for second place. Heading into Tuesday's action, the three NL Central teams are also tied for the third and final NL Wild Card spot. The Cubs are hoping that the return of Cabrera and eventually Boyd will help give them an edge over their division rivals.

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

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