Chicago Cubs announce two pitcher demotions to accommodate returning Edward Cabrera

When the Chicago Cubs acquired four pitchers at the trade deadline, they knew that some tough roster decisions would be forthcoming. Those decisions are starting to be made.

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With Edward Cabrera reinstated from the IL after his minor league rehab assignment, some room needed to be made, both in the starting rotation as well as on the major league roster as a whole. Today, the Cubs made their moves.

Peterson sent to the bullpen

David Peterson, Chicago Cubs — Jun 27, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher David Peterson (19) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

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According to MLB insider and Cubs beat writer Patrick Mooney, Chicago is moving veteran southpaw to the bullpen, at least temporarily:

“For now at least, the Cubs are moving David Peterson to the bullpen to create a spot in their rotation for Edward Cabrera.”

Peterson has worked the swingman role before, but his demotion is a bit puzzling given just how effective he’s been as a starter since coming over in a trade with the New York Mets on June 25. In eight starts with Chicago, he’s posted a 4.19 ERA, but it should be noted that 10 of 20 earned runs allowed came in one horrible outing against the Cardinals on July 3. Excluding that one bad outing, the 30-year-old southpaw has posted a 2.29 ERA.

It’s quite possible that manager Craig Counsell could just cycle Peterson into the rotation based on opposition matchups. But, for now, he’ll be the lefty Colin Rea in the pen, eating innings and ready to spot start when/if needed.

Assad down to Triple-A

Javier Assad, Chicago Cubs — Apr 7, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

In the corresponding roster move to accommodate the incoming Cabrera, the Cubs announced that right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

The 29-year-old has been a low-key hero of the pitching staff, filling key roles in the bullpen and starting rotation in the face of an unprecedented mass wave of pitching injuries.

Over 21 appearances and 80.1 innings (10 starts, 11 relief appearances), Assad has posted a 3.59 ERA. Over his last two months, though, the versatile pitcher has excelled, delivering a 1.91 ERA in 8 games.

Assad’s demotion is more of a roster flexibility issue than anything else, as he’s one of the few pitchers remaining on the roster with minor league options. The plan is probably to stretch him out as a starter in Iowa in case he’s needed in that capacity on the major league roster. Once rosters expand on September 1, he may be called up once again.

The Cubs are still facing a number of pitching-related roster decisions in the near future, with relievers Hoby Milner and Daniel Palencia nearing the end of their rehab assignments and with Shelby Miller about to start his. The team is also staring down the possibility that Ben Brown, Justin Steele, and Hunter Harvey could also be activated some time in September.

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