Well, they don’t always work out. The Chicago Cubs are trying to survive all their pitching injuries, both in the rotation and bullpen. So far, Craig Counsell and the coaching staff have done an excellent job managing the pitching staff, but after blowing the game on Wednesday night in the ninth inning the team has seen enough of Corbin Martin.
The Cubs have designated the right-handed relief pitcher for assignment after Martin failed to record an out against the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs were up 4-2, and Counsell gave the ball to Martin for the save. The righty gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, and then surrendered two more hits before Counsell came out of the dugout to replace Martin.
Although Hoby Milner was ultimately credited with the blown save, it wouldn’t have been a mess if Martin hadn’t allowed all three of the hitters he faced to reach.
Martin signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason and entered spring training as one of several pitchers trying to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Martin didn’t make the cut initially, but after a handful of injuries in April, he was called up from Triple-A. Martin did have four straight scoreless appearances to begin his Cubs’ tenure, including a save against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he completely lost his control since then.
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The downfall for Martin started in his outing against the San Diego Padres last week. Martin walked three straight batters before he was pulled, but luckily Ben Brown bailed him out. Then, in his next appearance, Martin gave up a home run in mop-up duty against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Less than a week off the injured list, Daniel Palencia wasn’t available on Wednesday after pitching Tuesday night. So, Martin was given another shot, and he botched it. The Cubs have called up Gavin Hollowell to replace Martin in the bullpen.
Hollowell, 28, was up a few times with the Cubs last season. The right-hander gave up just one earned run in his first six appearances, striking out eight in 7.1 innings. His last appearance with the Cubs in 2025 was rough, though, as Hollowell walked four, gave up three hits, and was charged with four earned runs.
The Cubs probably would have called up Hollowell back in April, but he missed a couple of weeks on the injured list at Triple-A. He has made three appearances with the Iowa Cubs since returning from the injured list, and Hollowell has looked great, striking out six, walking one, giving up one hit, and no runs in 3.1 innings.
