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Chicago Cubs add new arm as bullpen option in playoff push

The Chicago Cubs are changing course with Michael Soroka. Activated from the injured list on Monday, the 27-year-old right-hander isn’t returning to the rotation. Instead, the team is slotting him into the bullpen as they chase down a National League playoff spot.

Soroka wasted no time getting back on the mound, tossing two innings of relief in Chicago’s 4-0 win over Pittsburgh. It was his first big league appearance since straining his shoulder in early August against Cincinnati.

From starter to reliever

When the Cubs traded for Soroka at the deadline, the idea was to bolster the starting staff. But injuries derailed that plan, and now his role is shifting to middle relief. Before the setback, Soroka carried a 3-8 record with a 4.86 ERA over 17 starts. His lone rehab outing at Triple-A Iowa showed some promise, with one run allowed in just over two innings.

To make room, Chicago sent right-hander Ben Brown back to Iowa. Brown has struggled this season with a 5-8 mark and a 5.92 ERA in 25 games.

Other injury updates

Closer Daniel Palencia, who has 22 saves this year, threw off the mound for the first time since landing on the injured list with shoulder trouble. The Cubs are hoping to get him back before the end of September.

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Designated hitter Seiya Suzuki was sidelined Monday due to bronchitis, while catcher Miguel Amaya began a rehab stint in Iowa after missing a month with an ankle injury.

The bigger picture

With the Cubs holding the top NL wild card position, every arm matters. Soroka’s ability to give the bullpen multiple innings could prove valuable in tight September games. The question is whether he can stay healthy long enough to contribute when October arrives.