Seeing how the Chicago Cubs coaching staff and front office has navigated their up-and-down pitching unit so far in 2025 has been interesting. The bullpen has been in flux for most of the campaign, but the team holds a 1.5 game lead in the NL Central with an 18-12 record in their first 30 games.
Losing Justin Steele for the season a couple of weeks ago made things much more difficult on the starting rotation, and it could lead to a bigger trade made by the front office to fill his shoes later on this season. The bullpen has had their moments of coming through big but also not being a huge help in important moments, which is on par for what the unit was like a season ago.
The front office made the decision to call up a veteran arm for the current Pittsburgh series who has been thriving at the Triple-A level so far this year.
Chicago Cubs to select Chris Flexen from Triple-A
Per reports, the Cubs are selecting Flexen’s contract from Triple-A and he will be added to the roster on Wednesday or Thursday morning prior to the series finale in Pittsburgh. Flexen has been dominant in Iowa so far in his five starts this season. The right-hander has a 1.16 ERA and a 3-0 record in 23.1 innings tossed thus far in 2025.
Flexen spent the 2024 campaign with the White Sox where he made 30 starts in 33 total appearances. He finished the season with a 3-15 record and a 4.95 ERA on the worst team in the modern era. His 160.0 innings tossed proved that he can be a reliable option and durable when needed.
It is unclear what Flexen’s role will be when he officially joins the Cubs on this road trip. He has the flexibility to pitch in long relief and as a starter, so it gives the club options. After Shota Imanaga exited Tuesday night’s game at PNC Park with leg cramps, he shouldn’t need to go on the IL. This instead could be a move to shake up the rotation and move a young arm like Ben Brown to the bullpen after he had another rough start against the Phillies at home over the weekend.
Chicago Cubs accomplished a team feat for the first time since 2013 on Tuesday
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