Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the IL With Blister
It's been a rollercoaster season so far for the Chicago Cubs. After rattling off a 20-3 stretch earlier this season, they are currently mired in a seven-game losing streak, their longest since 2022.
On Sunday, the Cubs made an announcement that is going to make things a bit harder to get back on track over the next couple of weeks, as starter Edward Cabrera is heading to the 15-Day IL retroactive to May 21st.
Cabrera left Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after developing a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand. This isn't the first time Cabrera has dealt with this issue. Last year with the Miami Marlins, Carbera was forced to miss time during Grapefruit League action with a blister on the same finger.
Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv: pic.twitter.com/xWqnWemjlS
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 24, 2026
Blisters aren't unusual for pitchers like Cabrera, who put high spin rates on their pitches. According to Statcast, Cabrera ranks in the top 25 MLB pitchers (minimum 750 pitches thrown in 2026) based on spin rate for three of his pitches: his four-seam fastball, change-up, and sinker. That added friction with each pitch can often lead to skin irritation and eventually, blisters.
Cabrera's absence will make a thin starting rotation even thinner for the Cubs. Already without Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd, the Cubs will be forced to utilize a group featuring Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Ben Brown. In a corresponding move, the team recalled Jordan Wicks from Triple-A Iowa to take Cabrera's spot in the rotation.
Looking like another pitcher injury for the Cubs as Edward Cabrera exits the game in the fourth inning pic.twitter.com/RHIf0MiRFI
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 21, 2026
In his first season with the Cubs, Cabrera has posted a 3-2 record through 10 starts this season. He has a 4.00 ERA and 1.352 WHIP, with 47 strikeouts to 20 walks in 54.0 innings of work. The Cubs acquired Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins in January, sending Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon back to Miami.
For now, the Cubs are hoping that this will be a minimum stint on the IL for Cabrera. In most cases, pitchers can return without a minor league rehab assignment, especially if they can continue with light throwing while the blister heals. If he heals within the 15 days, Cabrera would be eligible to rejoin the team on June 5 for the Cubs' weekend series at home against the San Francisco Giants.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 2:34 PM.