Cubs injury luck finally shifts as key bullpen addition makes return

Phil Maton is returning to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen ahead of their series against the San Diego Padres. Before Monday night's game, the Cubs activated Maton from the 15-day IL and optioned Charlie Barnes to Triple-A Iowa.

Maton was a key offseason addition for the Cubs as it was Jed Hoyer's first move in reconstructing a bullpen that lost Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Andrew Kittredge. Highlighting the importance of adding established high-leverage options to the bullpen, Hoyer extended beyond his comfort zone with Maton's deal, giving the veteran a two-year deal.

Maton never appeared to get comfortable through his first five appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen this season. On the season, he's allowed six runs on six hits and four walks in four innings of work. Maton's earned a reputation for his ability to miss bats, and the fact that he wasn't doing so to start the season was a sign that something may have been off mechanically.

The Cubs identified a hitch in his delivery, which was likely tied to the knee injury. By most accounts, once the injury cleared, the Cubs were able to get Maton's delivery in sync. The 33-year-old veteran tossed a scoreless inning for the Iowa Cubs over the weekend, striking out two of the five batters he faced.

Phil Maton remains an important piece for the Cubs.

Maton's early struggles with the Cubs led some fans to speculate he would be the next Ryan Pressly or Hector Neris. A veteran approaching the wrong side of 30, and someone the Cubs would eventually cut their losses with before the end of the season. That was never a logical conclusion to make, considering Maton's multi-year deal.

If the Cubs' bullpen is going to be successful this season, Maton will need to be at the center of that success. A healthy Maton can certainly go a long way toward stabilizing the Cubs' bullpen. A bullpen that remains without Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, and Riley Martin.

It remains to be determined when Palencia, Thielbar, and Martin will resume their throwing programs. Harvey resumed throwing bullpen sessions last week and likely will be headed out on a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week.

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