Ethan

Roberts

Roberts had been sidelined since the end of June due to right forearm inflammation. He was already stationed at Triple-A Iowa on his minor league rehab assignment, and he’ll remain there as he continues to round back into form following a long layoff.

Cubs skipper Craig Counsell told reporters they don’t believe Roberts is dealing with a serious issue, but he’s dealing with some symptoms after a heavy recent workload. The 28-year-old holds a serviceable 4.21 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 17/14 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings in the majors this season.

Wicks did walk in a run to make it a 4-3 game, but that run was unearned because it was inherited from a wholly ineffective Ethan Roberts; who wasn’t able to convert the save chance and was charged for two runs without getting an out. Wicks was just recalled from Triple-A on Sunday, and while he does get his first save of 2026, it’s impossible to imagine many more chances for the 26-year-old for the rest of the summer.

Roberts gets the call to rejoin Chicago’s bullpen with veteran starter Jameson Taillon hitting the injured list with a hamstring strain. The 28-year-old has posted a 1.96 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 14/7 K/BB ratio across 18 1/3 innings this season.

Roberts earns a ticket back to the minors after tossing 1 2/3 innings during Friday’s blowout loss to the Giants.

The 28-year-old right-hander had been shelved since April 14 due to a right middle finger laceration. He’ll help to bolster a Cubs’ bullpen that has been absolutely decimated by injuries this season. Gavin Hollowell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Roberts will need to miss at least two weeks with the cut on his finger. The 28-year-old will be replaced on the roster by Ryan Rolison, with Rolison recalled in a corresponding move.

Roberts has one scoreless appearance for the Cubs this year and a 2.08 ERA in three games with Triple-A Iowa. After a strong spring training, perhaps Phil Maton’s injury is a window for him to establish himself enough at the big-league level to move beyond up/down reliever status. We shall see.

Roberts, 28, did everything in his power to earn a spot in the Cubs’ bullpen this spring, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and a 4/2 K/BB ratio over six innings in six Cactus League appearances. He was simply facing an uphill battle against a crowded bullpen mix. He should be one of the first options at Triple-A Iowa that gets a shot with the big league club.

Roberts’ latest stint with the Cubs lasted roughly 48 hours and didn’t include another relief appearance. The 28-year-old heads back to the minors to clear a roster spot for veteran starter Jameson Taillon.