Caleb Thielbar’s Ongoing Struggles

Caleb Thielbar, a 39-year-old left-handed reliever for the Chicago Cubs, finds humor amid challenges. As of the series against the Washington Nationals, he hadn’t issued a walk in his last 15 appearances, keeping a clean record since June 29. Despite this, Thielbar has a high 7.30 ERA during this time due to allowing 10 runs from 18 hits, including five home runs. This performance contrasts with the impressive metrics of his 2025 season, where his strikeout rate remains strong with 15 strikeouts in his last 12 1/3 innings. His fastball velocity has increased by 0.5 mph from last year, aligning with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“I’m honestly trying not to dive into it,” Thielbar expressed. “I know that strikeout rate and walk rate are well correlated to success, and it’s not happening right now. So, I’m just trying to hang on until it turns around without losing my mind. That’s kind of the main thing.”

Thielbar has experienced more bad luck this season compared to 2025, where his Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABIP) was .226, now rising to .314. In a recent game against the Royals, he allowed two runs on three hits in just a third of an inning. His current hard-hit rate has climbed to a career-high 40.6%, up nearly 9 percentage points from last season. Despite the hardships, Thielbar noted, “It’s hard to say that’s a step in the right direction, but at least it wasn’t balls getting pounded all over the yard.”

Factors such as less-precise command and pitches left in the zone add to the issues. Thielbar has given up a career-high 10 home runs over 35 2/3 innings this season. 

Manager Craig Counsell commented, “He’s throwing as hard as he ever has. The pitch shapes are identical. He is striking out hitters. He’s not walking hitters. Those are all extremely good signs. Giving up home runs is an issue, for sure.”

Phil Maton Faces Uncertainty

Phil Maton, a veteran reliever for the Cubs, hopes to return this season despite a partially torn patellar tendon in his knee. Initially diagnosed as tendinitis, his condition throws doubt on his return to play this year. Maton’s knee issues began last season but didn’t prevent him from pitching. Unfortunately, these problems resurfaced during spring training. Imaging revealed the extent of his injury, leading to a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on July 21. Maton awaits further assessment of his readiness to resume pitching later in August.

Braxton Garrett Joins the Cubs

Left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett recently joined the Cubs through a trade from the Miami Marlins. Garrett, drafted by Miami in 2016, described his transition as chaotic but is pleased to join the Cubs. He expressed confidence after learning that the Cubs’ baseball operations president, Jed Hoyer, had long been interested in acquiring him.

Garrett missed the entire 2025 season due to a second Tommy John surgery. His struggle to regain command early in the current season is improving. Encouraged by his progress, Garrett shared, “I feel I’m a pitcher who’s looking for contact. I love getting strikeouts, but I also like to challenge guys, get in and out of at-bats, and try and go as long as I can.”

Manager Counsell communicated, “Even though he’s unlikely to have a big role in the final weeks, the Cubs envision he could be an important piece next year.”

Garrett’s recent call-up was brief, as he was optioned before the Cubs faced the Royals to make room for starter Clay Holmes. Counsell believes in Garrett’s talent and potential role in the team’s future plans.