The Chicago Cubs’ rotation continues to be hit hard by injuries, leaving the club searching for reinforcements.
With Cade Horton ruled out for the season, Justin Steele unavailable for the remainder of the year, and both Jameson Taillon and Edward Cabrera on the injured list, the team’s pitching depth has been stretched thin.
Following Cabrera’s placement on the 15-day IL after suffering an injury while covering first base, Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor reported that the Cubs selected the contract of former Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Vince Velasquez to bolster the major league roster.
Along with promoting Tyler Ferguson as the 27th man for a doubleheader against the New York Mets, Chicago’s decision to bring up Velasquez stands out as a notable move.
The veteran right-hander made one appearance for the Cubs earlier this season, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
Velasquez, a 10-year MLB veteran, is best known for his six seasons with the Phillies, where he posted a 4.93 ERA across 133 appearances, including 116 starts.
Although he did not pitch in the majors during the 2024 or 2025 seasons, he delivered a solid performance with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, recording a 3.86 ERA in eight starts.
With Cabrera landing on the injured list for the second time this year and the rotation running short on healthy arms, the Cubs are turning to Velasquez in hopes that his experience can provide some much-needed stability.
