Cubs make sneaky bullpen swap that ends Nate Pearson experiment

The final week of the regular season is here, and fresh off being swept by the Cincinnati Reds in a four-game weekend series, it feels like the Chicago Cubs are still mapping out the plan for their pitching staff in the playoffs. One name who won't be included in that mix is right-handed relief pitcher Nate Pearson.

One move that barely made the headlines this weekend was the fact that the Cubs designated Pearson for assignment. Eli Morgan was activated from the 60-day IL, took Pearson's spot on the 40-man roster, and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Cubs say goodbye to Nate Pearson while giving new life to mystery reliever

Morgan is still a bit of a mystery when it comes to the Cubs' pitching plans. Morgan was impressive out of the Cleveland Guardians' bullpen last season, posting a sub-2 ERA, but was completely ineffective for the Cubs during the first month of this season. Given his injury trouble this season, Morgan retained his minor-league option for the 2026 season, and considering the prospect the Cubs gave up, they likely want to get him back to the Major League level at some point.

Meanwhile, acquired by the Cubs at last season's trade deadline, Pearson finished the 2024 season with the impression that he could be the go-to flamethrower in the Cubs' bullpen. Pearson posted an ERA of 2.73 with the Cubs to close out the 2024 season, but that success evaded him this season. In 11 appearances out of the bullpen, Pearson had an ERA of 9.20, and his command completely eroded. Relegated to being an up-and-down arm for the Cubs this season, Pearson walked over 13% of the hitters he faced.

While the Cubs have ended the experiment with Pearson, it seems that they are ready to resume Daniel Palencia's experiment as the closer. After an injury scare earlier this month, Palencia pitched for Triple-A Iowa over the weekend and is expected to rejoin the Major League staff before the end of the week.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib