Normally, fans would be distraught over another Chicago Cubs pitcher going on the injured list, but this time around, everyone is pretty much celebrating the fact that Phil Maton has been moved off the active roster. The worst relief pitcher for the Cubs in 2026 has once again been placed on the injured list with a knee issue, and whether or not it’s a phantom IL thing, we’re just glad we don’t have to see Maton pitch for a while.
It has been a disaster of a free agent signing, as Maton was brought in to become the set-up man in the bullpen and potentially fill in as the closer if needed. He signed a two-year, $14 million contract, and halfway through 2026, Maton is now public enemy No. 1 among the fan base.
The veteran righty has appeared in 30 games so far this season, and his 6.08 ERA is ranked 11th worst among qualified relievers across both the AL and the NL. Maton made it through five games before he was first placed on the 15-day injured list back in April, and now, after returning and continuing to stink it up, the Cubs are getting rid of him for the time being, once again citing a knee issue.
Overall, this season, Maton has allowed five home runs in 26.2 innings, has two blown saves, and has only five clean appearances in which he got at least three outs. He was already demoted from high-leverage situations, but because the pitching staff has been so depleted as of late, Maton had to be used in Thursday’s series finale against the New York Mets, coming in to pitch the seventh inning when the Cubs were leading 3-2. Maton gave up a game-tying home run to the first batter he faced.
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There is no other reliever on this year’s team that has inspired less confidence than Maton when he’s come in out of the bullpen. A true failure for the Cubs, and you just have to hope that the knee issue is truly hurting his mechanics on the mound, because otherwise, what a waste.
The Cubs will activate David Peterson to the active roster now that Maton is on the injured list. Peterson, who was acquired earlier this week in a trade with the Mets, will make his Cubs debut on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
