Edward Cabrera Nears Return to Cubs After Dominant Rehab Start in Knoxville
Iowa Cubs fans got a glimpse of what could be a key piece for Chicago's playoff push. Edward Cabrera, the hard-throwing right-hander acquired from the Marlins this offseason, threw five no-hit innings for Double-A Knoxville on Tuesday, bringing him closer to a return to the major league rotation.
Cabrera has been sidelined since late July with a left hamstring and adductor strain. His latest outing was his third rehab start, and it was his best yet. He struck out seven, walked just one, and threw 64 pitches, 43 for strikes. Over his last two rehab appearances combined, he has allowed only one hit and one unearned run while striking out 15 batters against one walk.
How Cabrera's Rehab Stacks Up
Cabrera's fastball has been sitting at 97-98 mph, touching 99 mph, in his previous outings. That velocity is a promising sign for Cubs fans who remember his 2025 season in Miami, when he posted a 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings.
His time with the Cubs this year has been a tale of two halves. In his first seven starts, Cabrera had a 3.27 ERA. In his next seven, that number ballooned to 7.55, partly due to a blister on his pitching hand. After returning from that injury, his velocity jumped noticeably before the leg issue sidelined him.
What Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Says
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the team will discuss whether Cabrera needs a fourth rehab start or if he is ready to rejoin the big league club. Counsell emphasized that there are no set numbers for these decisions.
That's the mode we're in with everybody. There's no set numbers for any of this stuff. I think we're going to look at it like that. And we've got a lot of healthy guys right now. That's a good thing.
If Cabrera returns for his next outing, Sunday against the Cardinals or Monday against the White Sox at Wrigley Field are the earliest possibilities. If the team opts for a fourth rehab start, he would likely pitch during the Cubs' Aug. 21-23 trip to Seattle.
How Cabrera Fits Into the Cubs' Rotation
The Cubs recently bolstered their rotation by adding Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes at the trade deadline. Chicago's current starting five includes Gausman, Holmes, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and David Peterson. Colin Rea and Javier Assad provide depth from the bullpen.
That depth gives the Cubs the luxury of being patient with Cabrera. But his performance in Knoxville suggests he is ready to contribute. Cabrera said he is excited to see what the new additions can do for the team.
I know they're all really good, really good players. I know they're going to help us.
What About Daniel Palencia?
Right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia also pitched for Knoxville on Tuesday, but his outing was less encouraging. He struggled with command, throwing only 11 strikes on 24 pitches, walking three, hitting a batter, and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. Palencia has more walks (six) than strikeouts (three) in 2 1/3 rehab innings. Counsell said Palencia's timeline is less certain given how little he has pitched this season due to injuries.
What This Means for Iowa Cubs Fans
For Iowa Cubs fans who have watched Cabrera pitch in Des Moines, his rehab progress is a welcome sign. His two starts with Triple-A Iowa on July 31 and Aug. 6 were strong, and his Knoxville outing only reinforces that he is nearly ready for prime time. If he returns to Chicago soon, it could give the Cubs a significant boost as they chase a postseason berth.