Chicago Cubs Release 21-Year-Old Pitcher Amid Reds Series

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 21: Manager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs looks on before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August 21, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs began a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.

The Reds won the game 10-8. Game 2 is slated to begin at 1:20 p.m. CDT on Saturday.

In other Cubs news, the Chicago announced the release of a 21-year-old pitcher amid its series with Cincinnati.

Chicago Cubs Announce Release of 21-Year-Old Pitcher Jhon Rosario Amid Reds Series

Chicago Cubs Ken Rosenthal — GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 04: (L-R) Owner Thomas S. Ricketts, President, manager Craig Counsell #11, and General Manager Jed Hoyer of the Chicago Cubs talk prior to game one of the Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 04, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Cubs released 21-year-old right-hander Jhon Rosario on Friday.

Via MiLB.com: Myrtle Beach Pelicans released RHP Jhon Rosario.

Looking at Recently Released RHP Jhon Rosario

Chicago Cubs v Cincinnati Reds — GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 02: A hat and glove of a Chicago Cubs player in the dugout during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 02, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Rosario was born in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic, on Sept. 21, 2004.

The Cubs signed Rosario as an international free agent on March 1, 2024.

Rosario pitched at the rookie level in 2024 and 2025. He began the 2026 season at the rookie level and earned a promotion to Single-A Myrtle Beach on June 2.

Pittsburgh Pirates v Chicago Cubs — GettyCHICAGO, IL – JUNE 08: The glove, hat and glasses of Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs rests in the dugout during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 8, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The right-hander struggled immensely at the Single-A level, posting a 10.25 ERA with a 2.01 WHIP over 26 1/3 innings before being released.

In his three seasons in the minors, Rosario has posted a 6.31 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP and 73 strikeouts over 77 innings.

Looking at the Chicago Cubs Right Now

Chicago Cubs v Arizona Diamondbacks — GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 26: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 and third base coach Quintin Berry #0 of the Chicago Cubs react at second base umpire Lance Barrett #16 during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The Cubs’ record dropped to 76-59 after Friday’s loss to the Reds. They are now 7 1/2 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central and hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the first National League Wild Card spot.

The Cubs have lost their last three games. Before Friday’s game against Cincinnati, Chicago lost two in a row to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After Saturday afternoon’s game against the Reds, the Cubs will wrap up the series with a Sunday night baseball game, which will be broadcast on NBC.

Then, the Cubs will host the Brewers for a four-game set starting on Monday.