Home / Sports / Cubs Bullpen Boosted: Maton Returns from IL
Cubs Bullpen Boosted: Maton Returns from IL
28 Apr
Summary
- Phil Maton activated from 15-day injured list.
- Maton returns to aid depleted Cubs bullpen.
- He previously struggled with a 13.50 ERA.
The Chicago Cubs have officially activated pitcher Phil Maton from the 15-day injured list. This move bolsters a bullpen that has been managing several injuries early in the 2026 season. Maton was placed on the IL on April 10 due to right knee tendinitis, following a challenging stretch where he allowed multiple runs in three consecutive appearances.
Before his injury, Maton struggled significantly, recording a 13.50 ERA over four innings pitched. However, a brief rehab assignment saw him pitch one scoreless inning for Triple-A Iowa. His activation offers the team another reliable arm for later innings.
Maton's return is pivotal as the Cubs look to him to regain the form he displayed in 2025, when he finished with a 2.79 ERA and 81 strikeouts. This performance was key to his multi-year contract signed in November, making him the first reliever to secure such a deal with the Cubs since 2019.
His signature cutter, which was highly effective last season with a 32.9% whiff rate, has shown a considerable dip in effectiveness this year. The team will be watching closely to see how manager Craig Counsell utilizes Maton, potentially in low-leverage situations or even as a closer.
