Cubs' Edward Cabrera Nears Return, Bolstering Rotation Depth for Stretch Run
Iowa Cubs fans and Chicago faithful alike have reason to watch the minor league action closely this week. Hard-throwing right-hander Edward Cabrera is just one more rehab start away from rejoining the Chicago Cubs rotation, a move that could solidify the team's pitching staff for the final six weeks of the season.
Cabrera, who has been on the 15-day injured list since late June with a left hamstring and adductor strain, is scheduled to make his third rehab start Tuesday with Double-A Knoxville. The reason for the assignment is purely logistical: Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs' top affiliate, is playing in the MiLB Field of Dreams Game that day.
In his most recent outing with Iowa on Wednesday, Cabrera showed the kind of electric stuff that made him a key offseason acquisition. He pitched four innings, allowing just one unearned run on one hit while striking out eight and walking none. His fastball sat at 97 mph and touched 99 mph, generating 11 swinging strikes.
“If it was up to me, I’d be ready to suit up with the team,” Cabrera said through team translator Fredy Quevedo Jr. “But there’s programs that you have to follow and that you have to complete.”
A Tale of Two Seasons for Cabrera
Cabrera’s 2026 campaign has been a study in contrasts. He opened strong with a 3.27 ERA over his first seven starts, looking every bit the frontline arm the Cubs envisioned. But his next seven appearances saw his ERA balloon to 7.55, derailed by a blister issue and then the hamstring injury.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell sees the upcoming return as an opportunity to tap into the pitcher’s early-season form.
“He got off to a pretty good start,” Counsell said. “We think we can get a good version of Cabby going for the last six weeks or so of the season, and not maybe having as much mileage under him sets it up to be a good six weeks.”
Trade Deadline Additions Fortify Rotation
When Cabrera does return, he will step into a rotation that has been reinforced by the Cubs' aggressive moves at the trade deadline. Chicago added veteran righties Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, joining a group that already includes Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, David Peterson, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea. The depth is substantial, giving Counsell plenty of options down the stretch.
The Cubs also acquired left-hander Braxton Garrett from the Marlins at the deadline, a move more focused on the future. Garrett, who is under team control through 2028, is currently on the active roster as a bulk reliever and insurance behind the rotation.
Garrett and Cabrera came up together in the Marlins farm system, reuniting in Chicago after a decade apart.
“He’s a super talented pitcher,” Cabrera said. “I was really happy to reunite with him again. In 2016, we were in the Rookie League. We played together. And now 10 years later, we reunite once again.”
Garrett missed the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery but has posted a solid 2.90 ERA in 77 2/3 innings this year with Triple-A Jacksonville. Counsell has been upfront with him about his role.
“I told him, ‘You understand what happened at the Deadline and you’re a bit of insurance for this team right now,’” Counsell said. “‘But this is also a new team. Because if it’s not a big role this year, we could envision one next year.’”
Garrett appreciated the honesty.
“I’m so pumped to be here,” Garrett said. “When my name’s called here, I’m out there to be an out-getter, and that’s what I’ll do.”
What This Means for Iowa Cubs Fans
For Iowa Cubs fans, Cabrera’s rehab assignment and Garrett’s presence underscore the organization’s commitment to building a deep, competitive roster. The Cubs are clearly in win-now mode, and the reinforcements flowing through Des Moines are a testament to that strategy. With the minor league season winding down, every start at Principal Park or on the road matters for player development and organizational depth.
Cabrera’s next start Tuesday will be closely watched. If he comes through cleanly, a return to the big league rotation could come as early as next weekend.