Cubs reliever Phil Maton returns from IL, hopes for better second half

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

Phil Maton is back with the Chicago Cubs after a brief rehab stint, hoping to put a disastrous first half behind him. The veteran reliever, who signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal in the offseason to serve as a late-inning bridge to closer Daniel Palencia, was activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday after dealing with right knee tendinitis since late June.

Maton's return comes as the Cubs bullpen continues to struggle. The relief corps ranks 16th in MLB with a 4.14 ERA but has fallen to 23rd since June 11 with a 5.54 ERA. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the knee has been a factor in Maton's poor performance, which includes a 6.08 ERA in 30 appearances this season compared to a 2.79 ERA in 63 outings last year with St. Louis and Texas.

“It’s hard to know exactly,” Counsell said before Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. “The knee has affected him, there’s no question about it. And I think he would tell you it hasn’t always prevented him from pitching, but it’s just there.”

The Cubs designated Jake Woodford for assignment to make room for Maton. Woodford had been signed to replace Bryse Wilson, who was designated for assignment after two outings. Wilson cleared waivers and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, a reminder of how the bullpen has become a revolving door.

What does Maton’s return mean for the Cubs bullpen?

Maton won’t use the knee injury as an excuse but appreciated the Cubs giving him time to heal. He said he’s working on returning to his old mechanics to alleviate pain. He was scheduled for a second rehab outing but the Cubs, desperate for help, called him up early.

“I felt ready to go,” Maton said. “There might be a need, but it was one of those situations where I told them I felt I was in a good spot mechanically, so if you guys need me I’m ready to go. I feel like I’m in a really good spot, so hoping that slingshots me into a better second half.”

Maton knows he can’t erase his first-half numbers but is focused on the future. “I wish I could do it over, wish you could get takebacks on outings throughout the year,” he said. “But to me, it’s just try to put up as many zeros as possible down the stretch and try to do my job. As relievers, our numbers can get inflated by certain outings. It’s the nature of the game.”

The Cubs have used 26 relievers this season, including one-time call-ups like Woodford, Charlie Barnes, and Ty Blach. The most effective arm has been Jacob Webb, signed for $1.5 million. With Palencia and Hoby Milner out, Webb, Trent Thornton, and Ryan Rolison have been Counsell’s most trusted options.

“Webby has stepped up in some big situations for us,” Maton said. “But Couns always puts the guy out there that lines up best for those pockets. He’s done an outstanding job at that this year.”

Counsell recalls his draft-day bonus

In a lighter moment, Counsell reflected on his own draft day in 1992 when he was picked in the 11th round by the Colorado Rockies. He received a $5,000 signing bonus, negotiated up from $2,500 by his college coach at Notre Dame, Pat Murphy, who now manages the Milwaukee Brewers.

“Pat Murphy negotiated it for me. He was my agent,” Counsell said. “He got it up from $2,500.”

Murphy didn’t take a cut, Counsell noted with a laugh. “You spend it on food, because you’re not getting paid, really.”

Counsell later became the highest-paid manager in MLB history with a five-year, $40 million deal. Murphy is reportedly doing well in Milwaukee too.

The Cubs selected Mississippi right-hander Cade Townsend with their first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Counsell deferred to the scouting department on the pick, but the bonus baby story was a reminder of how far he’s come.

What’s next for the Cubs bullpen?

The Cubs enter the All-Star break with a bullpen that needs stability. Maton’s return offers hope, but the team must decide how to use him. Counsell said he’s not sure about Maton’s immediate role. “Everybody is the same right now,” he said. “That’s how we’re treating the bullpen. At times he’s going to have leverage innings. Maybe the next two days (before the break), probably not.”

For Iowa Cubs fans, the bullpen’s struggles have a local connection. Triple-A Iowa has been a pipeline for arms, with Wilson and others moving through Des Moines. The team’s ability to develop reliable relievers will be key to the big league club’s success in the second half.

Maton remains confident he can turn things around. “It’s a do-over of sorts,” he said. “I’m just trying to put up as many zeros as possible down the stretch.”