Cubs announce the most annoying roster move in the middle of the 2026 MLB draft

While the overall focus for the Chicago Cubs is on the 2026 MLB Draft, there's still baseball to be played. More importantly, there remains a pitching staff that needs to get healthy. Along those lines, Phil Maton is back in the bullpen.

Before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, the Cubs announced that Maton has been reinstated from the 15-day IL, and Jake Woodford has been designated for assignment.

Jake Woodford had the most predictable outcome the Cubs could have imagined

When the Cubs signed Woodford to a major-league deal, it was clear that the move wasn't going to be one that saved the pitching staff. Woodford posted a 6.94 ERA in 16 appearances with the Brewers, and it only took one appearance for the Cubs to cut their losses. Woodford was tagged for three runs on five hits in two innings of work against the Reds on Friday.

Maton's return comes at pivotal time for the Cubs bullpen. With Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner on the IL, and Caleb Thielbar simply being bad this season, there's a lack of high-leverage options among Craig Counsell's out-getters.

Of course, that ignores the struggles that Maton has had this season. The Cubs were quick to sign Maton to a multi-year deal during the offseason, but the early returns have not been good. The 33-year-old sports a 6.08 through 30 appearances this season. Maton is a pitcher who thrives with spin-rate. When he doesn't have the spin on his pitches, he becomes a pitcher who can't be used in high-leverage situations.

If there's hope for the Cubs, as small as it may be, Maton did strikeout three of the five batters he faced during his only minor-league rehab outing with the Iowa Cubs last week.

No, there was never going to be scenario where the Cubs hid Maton for the rest of the season. They certainly aren't going to give up on him anytime soon. Regardless of any move the Cubs made at the trade deadline, they need Maton to be healthy and effective. If that doesn't happen, it's hard to imagine the bullpen stabilizing before the end of the season. Especially if Palencia's availability is going to be in question.

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