The Chicago Cubs are doing everything to get their bullpen in line. And why not? They are doing well so far, and they don’t want to break the momentum. And their latest acquisition is giving the lineup a boost. The North Siders are no doubt playing aggressively this season. Among the always-changing baseball stories, some events stand out for their tenacity and surprising turns. The Cubs are currently writing this chapter by bringing a seasoned left-handed pitcher back onto the big league scene after a protracted absence. This veteran, once a major player on the field, is expected to make a big comeback. When, maybe as early as Wednesday. His journey, defined by significant accomplishments and challenging obstacles, illustrates the unpredictable nature of a professional athlete’s career.

The Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. The 36-year-old has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Rockies, A’s, Padres, Red Sox, Giants, and Brewers. Pomeranz offers the squad a great abundance of experience. His minor-league contract featured an upward mobility provision, so the Mariners had to offer him to other MLB teams if they couldn’t move him to the majors. The Cubs took this opportunity to enhance their bullpen.

Do you know that he once shared a dressing room with Cubs manager Craig Counsell? That was in 2019, when Counsell and Pomeranz were part of the Brewers. The reunion of two teammates, but in a slightly different way. Resilience has truly defined Drew Pomeranz’s challenging journey to the major leagues. Following his flexor tendon surgery in 2021, he suffered further setbacks, which reduced his appearances in 2022 and 2023. Amidst these challenges, his most recent performance with Triple-A Tacoma shows a possible return to form: he collected 14 strikeouts over 9.2 innings with a .176 opponent batting average.

But the question is, where will he fit? The Cubbies have figured it out. They are making room for Pomeranz; the Cubs optioned left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks to Triple-A Iowa. They have another option by moving left-handed pitcher Justin Steele.

Pomeranz is recovering from season-ending surgery and the Cubs have moved him to the 60-day injured list to make room for another player on the 40-man roster. Returning to a major league mound after a four-year absence presents a challenge, but Pomeranz is familiar with competing in high-stakes situations. The key question is: will he regain his form and help the Cubs, or will the injured list loom large over this comeback?

Pitching puzzle: Cubs seek stability with Pomeranz amidst injuries

Chicago Cubs pitchers have been injured early in 2025, prompting the executive office to request reinforcements. Right-handed Tyson Miller has been on the 15-day IL with a left hip impingement since March 25 despite a solid rehab performance and back-to-back games next week. Similarly, Right-hander Javier Assad has been sidelined with a moderate left oblique strain since March 18. His rehab start was postponed on April 20 due to weather, but he will pitch on April 22.

The bullpen has had its share of losses as well. After undergoing season-ending left ulnar collateral ligament revision surgery on April 18, doctors project that left-handed Justin Steele will return in 2026. Due to right elbow pain, the Cubs placed right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan on the 15-day injured list (IL) on April 15 . He is now obtaining a second opinion after an MRI. Since March 26, right-handed player Ryan Brasier has been on the 15-day IL with a left groin strain. He resumed playing catch on April 11, but he still has a long way to go.

In response to these issues, the Cubs acquired seasoned left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz. By acquiring Pomeranz, the Cubs hope to improve their bullpen, which has a 5.19 ERA, one of the highest in MLB. His understanding of Counsell’s management style and reliever performance should provide stability.

For the Cubs, this acquisition is coming at a crucial time. Why? Because Pomeranz’s knowledge and versatility may prove fairly helpful in augmenting the pitching staff during this injury-plagued season, as the Cubs tackle a challenging schedule ahead, including a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.