The Chicago Cubs will have veteran right-hander Phil Maton back in the bullpen this week against the San Diego Padres following his rehab assignment in the minor leagues. Maton has been out for nearly three weeks after being placed on the 15-day injured list on April 10. The set-up man last pitched on April 7, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
It certainly wasn’t how Maton wanted to begin his tenure with the Cubs, as he was dealing with right-knee tendinitis. He tried to pitch through the issue, but he paid for it with his results. Maton signed a two-year deal in free agency to become one of the team’s high-leverage relievers, and early on fans were frustrated by Maton’s appearances.
The 33-year-old recorded a 13.50 ERA in four innings, allowing six earned runs, while walking four and striking out five in five appearances prior to his stint on the injured list. Maton made a rehab appearance at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs on Friday night, and although he gave up two hits it was good to see that he didn’t walk anyone, and struck out two.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Sunday that Maton would be back on the active roster during the Padres’ series. Prior to Monday’s series opener in San Diego, the Cubs once again optioned lefty Charlie Barnes back to Triple-A, making room for Maton in the bullpen.
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We’ll see how Counsell uses Maton right away, but because of all the bullpen injuries, Maton has by far the most experience in high-leverage spots and closer experience.
This is the current eight-man bullpen entering Monday night’s game against the Padres.
Current Chicago Cubs Bullpen (4/27)
RHP: Yacksel Ríos, Jacob Webb, Corbin Martin, Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Phil Maton
LHP: Ryan Rolison, Hoby Milner
In 2025, Maton pitched in 63 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He recorded a 2.79 ERA in 61.1 innings, posting a 1.06 WIP and an impressive 32.7 K%. The 33-year-old then agreed to a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Cubs. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2028 season.
Maton has 10 career saves and 86 holds throughout his MLB career. That includes five combined saves last year between his time with the Cardinals and Rangers. The other seven relievers in the Cubs bullpen have 12 combined saves in their respective careers.
It’s kind of incredible that the Cubs are still thriving despite all the pitching injuries. The rotation has held strong, and even the bullpen has performed well, given its shortcomings. With a combined 3.76 ERA, the Cubs’ bullpen ranks 11th in MLB going into this week’s series against the Padres.
