The Chicago Cubs were dealt another setback on Sunday as rookie left-hander Riley Martin was officially placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing elbow, further compounding the team’s growing injury concerns early in the 2026 season.
The move, which was made retroactive to Friday, comes at a particularly difficult time for Chicago, as the team has already been battling a wave of injuries that has tested its depth across the pitching staff since spring training began.
Martin, 28, had been one of the more promising bright spots out of the bullpen prior to the injury, delivering consistent and effective performances in limited opportunities since being called up earlier this month.
Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Martin entered the 2026 campaign ranked as the Cubs’ No. 28 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and quickly made an impression upon joining the major league roster.
In his short stint with the big-league club, Martin posted a 2.16 ERA over 8 1/3 innings, allowing just two walks while striking out 10 batters, showcasing both command and swing-and-miss ability.
Even more encouraging was his recent form, as he delivered scoreless outings in seven of his last eight appearances, establishing himself as a reliable option in high-leverage relief situations.
However, the emergence of elbow inflammation has now forced the Cubs to shut him down temporarily, raising concerns about both his immediate availability and long-term durability as the season progresses.
Martin’s injury marks the seventh such case for the Cubs since Opening Day, and remarkably, the 11th pitcher sidelined since the beginning of spring training, highlighting a troubling trend within the organization.
Manager Craig Counsell addressed the situation candidly, emphasizing the need for next-man-up mentality while acknowledging the cumulative impact of injuries on team performance.
“The next guy’s got to do his job,” Counsell said, pointing out that while opportunities are being created for depth players, the frequency of injuries inevitably takes a toll over time.
In response to Martin’s absence, Chicago has recalled left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa, hoping he can provide immediate reinforcement to a depleted bullpen.
Barnes, 30, has had limited exposure at the major league level this season, appearing in just one game where he allowed multiple runs in a challenging outing against the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this month.
In that appearance, Barnes recorded three innings of work but struggled with command, finishing with a 9.00 ERA, three walks, and only one strikeout, leaving questions about his readiness for a larger role.
Despite those struggles, the Cubs will likely rely on Barnes to absorb innings in the short term, especially as they await the return of several injured pitchers expected back later in the season.
Beyond the bullpen shuffle, Chicago also made additional roster moves on Sunday, selecting right-hander Yacksel Rios from Triple-A while designating Vince Velasquez for assignment.
These transactions reflect a broader effort by the front office to stabilize a pitching staff that has been stretched thin by injuries and inconsistent performances during the opening weeks of the campaign.
On the field, the timing of these setbacks is less than ideal, as the Cubs are currently navigating a challenging stretch in their schedule following a strong 10-game winning streak that briefly positioned them among the league’s hottest teams.
Since that run, Chicago has dropped two consecutive games to the Los Angeles Dodgers, exposing some vulnerabilities that had been masked during their earlier success.
The team now turns its attention to an upcoming three-game series against the San Diego Padres, where maintaining pitching stability will be critical against a potent offensive lineup.
For the Cubs, the loss of Martin represents more than just a temporary roster adjustment—it removes a dependable bullpen arm who had begun to carve out a meaningful role in close-game situations.
As the season continues, Chicago’s ability to weather this ongoing injury storm will likely play a significant role in determining whether they can sustain early momentum and remain competitive in a tightly contested National League landscape.
