Phillip Maton: Everything you need to know

Maton allowed two runs on three hits across an inning of relief in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Atlanta. He struck out one. Maton entered the contest having rattled off five straight scoreless appearances, but that came to an end with a subpar outing against a tough Atlanta lineup. After posting an ugly 14.40 ERA through his first six appearances of the year, the veteran righty has been better with a 3.18 ERA in his last six games. Overall, Maton is still sitting with an 8.44 ERA, though he appears to be trending in the right direction even after Wednesday's setback.

The Cubs reinstated Maton (knee) from the 15-day injured list Monday. Maton landed on the 15-day injured list April 10 due to right knee tendinitis, but he has recovered enough to return to the majors despite just one rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Friday, when he allowed two hits and zero walks while striking out two across two scoreless innings. Matton gave up six earned runs across his three outings prior to landing on the IL, but the hope from the Cubs is the rehab was enough for the right-hander to return to his 2025 form, when he posted a 2.79 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 22 holds, five saves (in 10 attempts) and an 81:23 K:BB across 61.1 innings with the Cardinals and Rangers. Charlie Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Maton (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. Maton was cleared to pitch in games after getting through a live batting practice session with no issues. Working his way back from right knee tendinitis, Maton could require just the one rehab appearance before rejoining the Cubs' bullpen. When Maton does return, he might be considered for save chances while Daniel Palencia (oblique) is out, though a 13.50 ERA before getting hurt could point to easing the former into such situations.