Gavin

Hollowell

Hollowell returns to Chicago’s bullpen mix with Ethan Roberts hitting the shelf with a forearm issue. The 28-year-old continues to be up-and-down as middle relief depth for the Cubs. He’s made four appearances in the majors this year.

It’s the second time in three days that Hollowell has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, this time due to the return of Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) from the injured list. He’ll continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the Cubs at the Triple-A level and will undoubtedly get another opportunity in the coming weeks.

Hollowell was just sent down yesterday, but the Cubs have had two roster spots open up since. He’s allowed two runs and walked five in 3 2/3 innings for the Cubs this season.

Hollowell returns to the minors to clear a roster spot for newly acquired reliever Jayden Murray. The 28-year-old has compiled a pedestrian 4.91 ERA across 3 2/3 innings for the Cubs in middle relief duty this season.

Hollowell returns to Chicago’s relief corps to replace injured closer Daniel Palencia (elbow). The 28-year-old will likely operate in middle relief after allowing two runs over 1 2/3 innings during his lone appearance for the Cubs last month.

The Cubs needed to free up a spot in their bullpen for the return of Ethan Roberts (finger) on Friday and unfortunately for Hollowell he was the odd man out. The 28-year-old hurler appeared in just one game during his time with the Cubs, giving up two runs (10.80 ERA) on two hits and four walks (3.60 WHIP) over his 1 2/3 innings. He’ll continue to function as extra bullpen depth at Triple-A Iowa and should get another shot with the Cubs at some point over the summer.

Hollowell is getting his first callup of 2026 after posting a 2.25 ERA and a 15/6 K/BB in eight innings for Iowa. The 28-year-old made seven appearances for the Cubs last year, amassing a 4.82 ERA and a 10/7 K/BB in 9 1/3 innings.

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.

He’ll be available out of the bullpen. Hollowell has allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings for the Cubs this season.

This clear room for one of the new acquisitions. Hollowell has allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings for the Cubs this season.