Chicago Cubs: Edward Cabrera lands on 15-day IL (again); corresponding move announced

As has been the story all season long, the Chicago Cubs are dealing with yet another injury on their pitching staff. While they are 72-53 and well-entrenched in the postseason picture, there are serious concerns about the quality and depth of their starting rotation.

This past off-season, the Cubs traded away Owen Caissie and other prospects for starter Edward Cabrera. Even though Chicago knew he had a long injury history, they hoped that 2026 would be different.

It has not been. If anything, it has been worse.

The Chicago Cubs have placed Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list

Last season, Cabrera had the best year of his career, starting 26 games while going 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA. Obviously, this is the kind of production that the Cubs were hoping for when they traded for him.

In 15 games this season, however, Cabrera is 5-5 with 5.68 ERA. Even more disappointing than his lack of quality pitching has been his inability to stay healthy.

In May, he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger. Back then, the hope was that letting the blister heal would improve his pitching performances.

It didn’t.

In June, Cabrera suffered a hamstring/adductor strain while falling when trying to cover first base. The injury cost him two months.

And now, in mid-August, he is headed back to the injured list with yet another blister:

As expected, the Cubs placed Edward Cabrera on the injured list with a blister issue and recalled Javier Assad ahead of their crosstown series vs. the White Sox at Wrigley Field.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) August 17, 2026

As can be seen from the post above, Javier Assad has been recalled to take Cabrera’s spot on the roster. He is 6-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 21 games (10 starts) for Chicago this year.

When Cabrera comes back from this stint on the injured list, it is highly probable that manager Craig Counsell will opt to bring him out of the bullpen instead of keeping him in the starting rotation.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Daniel Palencia cooked in latest rehab outing, nears return to Cubs
• Cubs have the infield depth to survive the Dansby Swanson injury
• Patience for Edward Cabrera is running thin, Craig Counsell discusses pitcher’s future

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