The Chicago Cubs announced the signing of Jake Woodford. As the corresponding roster move, they’ve designated right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment.
Wilson’s time in Chicago was very short, lasting just 10 days and two appearances. Overall, he gave up seven runs across 7.2 innings. But now his roster spot goes to Woodford.
The right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24. Now he’s back on the waiver wire after two appearances with the Cubs.
But a 17-1 blowout loss to the St. Louis Cardinals put their bullpen in a bad spot. With David Peterson only getting 11 outs, the Cubs had to use three relievers to get the final 16.
Recapping Bryse Wilson’s Tenure With the Cubs
Bryse Wilson had two lengthy appearances, totaling 133 pitches. He pitched mostly in mop-up duty. After 4.1 scoreless innings in his Cubs debut on June 28, he got roughed up for seven runs in that 16-run loss to the Cardinals.
With Wilson throwing 72 pitches to get seven outs in that blowout, he was going to be down multiple days. To bring in a fresher arm in Jake Woodford, his roster spot became expendable.
The right-hander has bounced around the league, with the Cubs serving as his sixth organization since 2021. He began the year on a minor league deal with the Phillies and pitched as a starter for their Triple-A affiliate before getting a two-inning relief appearance.
The Cubs will have seven days to either trade, release, or outright Wilson to the minor leagues. The right-hander has been outrighted before, so he can reject an outright assignment and become a free agent.
With that in mind, Wilson has likely thrown his last pitch with the Cubs. The right-hander will likely hit free agency and see if he can land an opportunity to pitch with another organization.
What’s Next for the Cubs
The question the Cubs will face is how they’ll handle their bullpen. They are down numerous arms from their Opening Day bullpen.
Many of those injuries are serious, with many of them dealing with either forearm or elbow issues. The list includes closer Daniel Palencia, Ethan Roberts, and Riley Martin. It’s unclear when many of those arms will return to action.
In addition, the Cubs are without veterans Phil Maton and Hoby Milner. Maton is dealing with knee issues, and Milner is recovering from an appendectomy. Both relievers figure to return before the end of the season.
The starting rotation has gotten the lion’s share of coverage with the Cubs’ injuries. But the bullpen has been equally as affected. The pitching injuries have tested the organization’s pitching depth and elevated players to roles they wouldn’t be tasked with in ideal situations.
Adding more impact arms to their bullpen should be one of the Cubs’ top priorities to address at the trade deadline. Chicago needs to reinforce a decimated pitching staff as aggressively as possible.
If the Cubs can do so, they could position themselves to host the Wild Card series. The top Wild Card in the National League will host a playoff series, like Chicago did last October.
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