Iowa Cubs Roster Moves: Pomeranz Debuts, Egbert Shuffled
The Iowa Cubs added left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz and promoted right-hander Kenten Egbert from High-A South Bend on Sunday. The Iowa Cubs lost to the Buffalo Bisons 8-5. Across the Chicago Cubs minor league system, the Knoxville Smokies, South Bend Cubs, and Myrtle Beach Pelicans also lost their games on June 29, 2026.
How did the new Iowa Cubs pitchers perform?
Kenten Egbert got the start for Des Moines, but the results were rough. Egbert allowed eight runs, five of them earned, on eight hits over just 2.2 innings. He walked five batters and struck out two. The loss highlights the tough transition players face when moving up the ladder, a reality well known to Iowa fans who track the frequent roster moves between Chicago and Des Moines.
Drew Pomeranz fared much better in his Iowa debut. Pitching the fourth inning, Pomeranz issued a two-out walk but kept the Bisons off the board. He struck out two batters, showing solid command in his first Triple-A appearance this year.
Reliever Cobin Martin provided a bright spot with three scoreless innings, allowing only one walk while striking out one. Catcher Christian Bethancourt even took the mound for two scoreless innings to close the game, saving the rest of the bullpen for another day.
What stood out in the Iowa Cubs lineup?
Scott Kingery had a memorable day. He hit a solo home run in the third inning, his second of the season. In a bizarre twist, Kingery also finished the top of the third inning on the mound for Egbert, getting a groundout on a 36 mph curveball. Technically, he hit that home run as a pitcher. Kingery finished 1 for 4 at the plate.
Owen Miller went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Third baseman James Triantos went 1 for 4 with a walk and two RBIs.
What happened with the Knoxville Smokies?
The Double-A Smokies lost to the Birmingham Barons, 10-5. Starter Koen Moreno pitched four innings and gave up three runs on four hits. One run was unearned. Moreno walked two and struck out four.
Reliever Erian Rodriguez took the loss after surrendering five runs on three hits and three walks over 1.2 innings. He also hit a batter and failed to record a strikeout.
Third baseman Edgar Alvarez provided the offensive highlight, blasting a three-run homer in the fifth inning. It was his eighth home run of the year. Alvarez went 2 for 5 on the day.
Catcher Owen Ayers had a perfect day at the plate, going 4 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored three times. Center fielder Alex Ramirez went 2 for 5 with an RBI double and a stolen base. Left fielder Andy Garriola went 2 for 4 with an RBI double, a walk, and a run scored.
How did the South Bend Cubs collapse?
High-A South Bend suffered a brutal 7-2 loss to the Quad Cities River Bandits. The Cubs held a 2-0 lead going into the ninth inning, thanks to a brilliant start from Alfredo Romero. Romero pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five and walking none.
The bullpen could not hold the line. Reliever Ethan Bell took the loss, giving up five runs on four walks and one hit over one-third of an inning. Grayson Moore also struggled, and the River Bandits poured on seven runs in the final frame.
Center fielder Kane Kepley hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, his fourth of the season. Kepley went 1 for 3 with a walk. South Bend managed only four hits total.
Did the Myrtle Beach Pelicans hold on?
The Low-A Pelicans lost to the Salem RidgeYaks, 7-6. Brody McCullough started on a rehab assignment, going three innings and allowing one run on two hits. He struck out four and walked one.
Myrtle Beach tied the game in the top of the ninth inning thanks to a two-run home run by third baseman Yahil Melendez. It was his second homer of the year. Melendez went 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.
The lead did not last. Aiden Moffat came in for the bottom of the ninth and walked all three batters he faced. Edwardo Melendez entered with the bases loaded and gave up a walk-off single to the only batter he faced, ending the game.
Left fielder Edward Vargas went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Who did the Iowa Cubs add to their roster?
The Iowa Cubs added left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz and promoted right-handed pitcher Kenten Egbert from High-A South Bend.
How did Kenten Egbert pitch in his Iowa Cubs debut?
Kenten Egbert struggled in his Iowa debut, allowing eight runs, five earned, on eight hits over 2.2 innings against the Buffalo Bisons.
Did Drew Pomeranz pitch for the Iowa Cubs?
Yes, Drew Pomeranz pitched the fourth inning in his Iowa Cubs debut. He walked one batter and struck out two batters in a scoreless appearance.
Which Cubs minor league hitters had the best games?
Owen Ayers went 4 for 4 with a double and three runs for the Smokies. Edgar Alvarez hit his eighth home run for Knoxville. Kane Kepley and Yahil Melendez also hit home runs in their respective games.