Edward Cabrera to make return to Cubs rotation against Cardinals

Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Edward Cabrera to make return to Cubs rotation against Cardinals

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 14, 2026 1:53 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are set to activate Edward Cabrera (left hamstring and adductor strain) off the 15-day injury list, and he will start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday at Wrigley Field.

The 28-year-old right-hander has been on the IL since late June and is ramping up for his start, throwing bullpen sessions at Wrigley Field along with teammate Ben Brown. Cabrera will be a key piece to get back in the Cubs rotation as he will provide much-needed depth and elite swing-and-miss stuff.

His presence will help with workload management, but it will also force manager Craig Counsell to make some difficult roster decisions with the rotation. They could either stick with a six-man rotation or move David Peterson to the bullpen.

Peterson's role would likely consist of pitching as a bulk reliever, and this wouldn't be something new for him, as he's pitched several times out of the pen in his career.

Edward Cabrera will come off the IL and start Sunday for the #Cubs.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) August 14, 2026

How Edward Cabrera's return impacts the Cubs

With Cabrera making his return, Shota Imanaga's scheduled start will now be pushed to Monday, Aug. 17 against the Chicago White Sox. Cabrera made his last rehab start on Aug. 11 with Double-A Knoxville and was dominant, as he recorded five scoreless innings and struck out seven while surrendering only one walk and throwing 64 pitches.

Since it will be his first game back since June 23, his pitching workload will be limited so that he can make a smooth transition back into the rotation. Cabrera will be joining a stacked rotation that includes newly acquired starters Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes.

While it remains to be seen what the Cubs will do with their rotation, it is likely that they will stick with a six-man rotation on a short-term basis to help Cabrera settle back in the rotation.

Prior to landing on the IL, Cabrera was sporting a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 72.1 innings pitched.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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