While it’s not official as of Friday night, it does appear as though the Chicago Cubs are ready to welcome veteran reliever Brad Boxberger back to the bullpen.
The signs were already pointing to his comeback, as Boxberger pitched in back-to-back games during his rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs at Triple-A on Wednesday and Thursday. Appearing in consecutive games is traditionally seen as the final step before a team is comfortable enough to bring back a pitcher who has been out for an extended period of time.
On Friday night, Marquee Sports Network cameras panned over to the Cubs dugout in Cincinnati and Boxberger was seen sitting next to rookie pitcher Jordan Wicks.
Boxberger last pitched for the Cubs on May 13, against the Minnesota Twins. The 35-year-old had a rough time early in the season with his new team, posting a 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings.
However, you can probably point to his arm injury that led to his struggles. Boxberger was placed on the injured list with a forearm strain after his relief outing in Minnesota and he was completely shut down for a long period of time. After ramping up in Arizona, Boxberger was assigned to the Iowa Cubs on Aug. 20, when he started his rehab assignment at Triple-A.
Between his time playing in the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A, Boxberger pitched in eight games. He allowed three runs in his first two outings with the Iowa Cubs in 1.1 innings and then gave up no runs in his next four appearances that covered 3.2 innings.
Here are Boxberger’s numbers from his back-to-back appearances this week.
The veteran righty signed a modest one-year deal with the Cubs this past offseason, agreeing to a guaranteed $2 million for the 2023 season. Boxberger’s contract also includes a 2024 mutual option worth $5 million or he’ll be bought out for $800,000.
Although we don’t know what version of Boxberger the Cubs will be getting back, you’d hope he can find the same success he’s had in recent seasons. From 2020-22, Boxberger recorded a 3.13 ERA in 146.2 innings, while striking out close to 11 hitters per nine innings between his time with the Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers.
Overall, Boxberger has posted a 3.51 ERA in 501 games that have all been as a reliever since making his MLB debut in 2012. Although he hasn’t been a full-time closer in consecutive years, Boxberger does have 84 career saves and has pitched on multiple playoff teams. Hopefully that experience helps out the Cubs this September.
