The Chicago Cubs made significant roster moves on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a bid to strengthen their bullpen and infield depth, the team recalled left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz and re-signed infielder Nicky Lopez while designating Gage Workman for assignment.
Pomeranz, 36, was acquired in a cash deal with the Seattle Mariners earlier this week. This marks a notable return to the majors for the former first-round pick, who last pitched in the big leagues in 2021. He posted a 4.66 ERA in nine appearances for Triple-A Tacoma this season, striking out 14 batters over 9⅔ innings. The Cubs are hopeful that his fastball, which averages 92.7 mph, combined with his curveball, will provide a much-needed boost to their bullpen, especially with the team facing a tough stretch of games.
Meanwhile, Nicky Lopez comes back to the Cubs after a brief stint with the Angels. He had previously been with the Cubs during spring training but was cut from the roster. Lopez's defensive skills are expected to bolster the bench, particularly after Workman’s inconsistent performance. In nine games with the Cubs, Workman struggled at the plate, hitting just .214 (3-for-14) and committing two errors in a critical game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
Workman’s designation for assignment means he will be exposed to waivers, where another team could claim him. If he clears waivers, the Cubs will have to offer him back to the Detroit Tigers, the team from which they selected him in the Rule 5 draft, for $50,000. The Cubs are hoping to keep Workman in their system, but there’s a possibility that the Tigers may want him back.
In a related move, Gavin Hollowell, who impressed with two perfect innings in Tuesday’s game, was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa. Hollowell retired all six batters he faced on just 19 pitches, showcasing his potential as a reliable option for the Cubs in the future. However, with the team needing to activate Pomeranz, Hollowell's impressive outing did not save him from the shuffle.
To make room for Pomeranz on the 40-man roster, the Cubs placed starting pitcher Justin Steele on the 60-day injured list. Steele underwent elbow surgery last Friday and is not expected to return this season, further complicating the Cubs' pitching situation.
In terms of infield dynamics, Jon Berti is expected to take the majority of playing time at third base following Workman’s departure. Berti has shown promise in limited appearances this season, and the Cubs will rely on him to stabilize the position for the time being. Justin Turner’s declining swing speed has raised concerns about his effectiveness, making Berti's role even more crucial.
Lopez’s return adds depth to the Cubs' bench, which has been a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. With the team struggling to find consistent offensive production from its infielders, Lopez’s glove could provide some much-needed stability. However, the Cubs still face challenges, as their bench now features several players who have yet to prove themselves at the plate.
The Cubs are navigating a tough early-season schedule, facing teams with potent offenses. As they look to improve their performance, these roster moves reflect the urgency to adapt and strengthen their lineup. The team hopes that Pomeranz can contribute effectively, while Lopez’s experience will help shore up the infield as they prepare for a challenging series against the Dodgers.
As the season progresses, the Cubs will need to monitor the performance of their new acquisitions closely. Pomeranz's ability to regain his form could be pivotal for a bullpen that has faced its share of struggles. Similarly, Lopez will be under pressure to deliver defensively and provide a spark offensively.
With the Cubs making these significant changes, fans are eager to see how the new roster configurations will impact the team's performance. The upcoming games will be crucial as the Cubs aim to find their rhythm and compete effectively in a highly competitive league.
In conclusion, the Cubs are actively reshaping their roster in response to early-season challenges. With Pomeranz and Lopez now part of the team, the Cubs are looking to enhance their performance as they face off against the Dodgers and beyond. The coming days will reveal whether these strategic moves pay off in the long run.
