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Cubs dig deep for bullpen arms after latest roster move confirms Hunter Harvey setback

The revolving door continues.
Jordan Campbell
Jordan Campbell

Cubbies Crib

Sep 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Ty Blach (50) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are adding a fresh arm to the bullpen ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs have selected the contract of Ty Blach from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Javier Assad. In making room for Blach on the 40-man roster, the Cubs have transferred Hunter Harvey to the 60-day IL.

The Javier Assad carousel has started for the Cubs

The very thing that makes Assad valuable to the Cubs is the very thing that works against him. Assad is one of the few pitches on the Cubs' 40-man roster that has minor-league options remaining, so when there's a need to add a fresh arm to the bullpen, the 28-year-old is often the first to be optioned.

Assad pitched two innings during the Cubs' victory over the White Sox on Friday, and likely wouldn't have been available to pitch today. Chances are likely that Assad will find his way back to the big-league club. As a reminder, Assad can't be recalled from Triple-A Iowa for the next 10 days unless he is taking the spot of an injured pitcher.

The Cubs signed Blach to a minor-league deal last month, considering depth was needed after the wave of injuries to the team's pitching staff. He last pitched in the majors with the Colorado Rockies in 2024. Used as a swing man, bouncing between Colorado's starting rotation and bullpen, Blach posted an ERA of 6.94 in a tick over 71 innings pitched.

Blach's results with the Iowa Cubs this season haven't been much better. He's made five appearances for the I-Cubs, posting an ERA of 5.23 while striking out only 15.6% of the hitters he's faced. With Caleb Thielbar expected to be activated from the IL this week, chances are Blach's run with the Cubs will be short. The 35-year-old does have a minor-league option remaining, so he can be optioned if the Cubs don't want to remove him from the 40-man roster.

If nothing else, Blach gives the Cubs a bulk option in the bullpen today, considering Colin Rea is getting the start.

Sunday's move also confirms that it will be some time before Harvey is ready to go. The oft-injured relief pitcher recently suffered a setback that has suspended his throwing program for the next month. Signed to be a high-leverage option for Craig Counsell in the bullpen, it's fair to wonder if Harvey will pitch again for the Cubs this season.

Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.