In 2026, the Chicago Cubs’ injuries have been one of the team’s biggest storylines. The most concerning thing about Chicago’s injuries has been how the pitching staff has been affected. The depleted rotation and bullpen have thrown a wrench in the season and has quickly taken over the Cubs’ trade deadline strategy. Now that we are in the second half of the season, the hope was that the story would begin to change. However, some of the newest injury updates have made that a bit unclear.
Craig Counsell provided injury updates on Jameson Taillon, Hoby Milner and Edward Cabrera. pic.twitter.com/1QL4SpvETt
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 17, 2026
Recent Updates on the Cubs Injuries
Jameson Taillon
Jameson Taillon is already set to start tonight, July 20th. With this in mind, there is not much to talk about until he pitches a few games, so we’ll shift focus to his second-half impact. The starting pitching staff needs quality starts. Right now, Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd are both looking sharp. If Taillon can even just be solid in the second half, then it will go a long way in stabilizing the rotation until some of the other Cubs’ injuries get resolved. If he struggles as he did in the first half, then his time in Chicago may be done after this season, and the Cubs may need to get aggressive at the trade deadline.
Cubs DFA Drew Pomeranz and place Phil Maton on the IL w recurring right knee ailment. Jameson Taillon and Aaron Civale replace them on the roster.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 20, 2026
Hoby Milner
Staying on the pitching side of things, as it is really the only area of the team affected, Hoby Milner is the next closest to a return. The veteran had been a reliable arm for most of the season, having a 3.53 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 35.2 innings. He often served as one of the most used arms, so when he went down in late June, it was a devastating blow. Now that he could be back in early August, things could turn around.
One of the Cubs’ biggest weaknesses has been their lack of high-leverage arms due to injuries. However, Milner could help fill in that clear hole. Even if he is just solid, it helps buy some of the rest of the high-leverage arms, like Ryan Rolison, Trent Thornton, and Jacob Webb, some much-needed days off. The 35-year-old would likely slot right back into his role of eighth or ninth innings, with the hope that he could even step in as a closer if needed. With Daniel Palencia still being one of the many Cubs’ injuries, Chicago needs all the help in the late innings that they can get.
Edward Cabrera
Turning back to the rotation, Edward Cabrera is one of the last starters who may be back soon. His mid-August return would mean the Cubs need to find a way to hold down the rotation, but it would also give him enough time to play for a crucial playoff push. Chicago traded for him with the goal of him becoming one of the team’s top starters; however, his poor start and injuries derailed that.
The importance of his return is clear. With the same idea as Tailion, the starting rotation needs stability. Imanaga and Boyd can only carry the team so far, and unless Chicago goes after some of the top trade candidates, it is hard to see them adding anyone who can be a difference maker. That is exactly where Cabrera comes in; if he can live up to his potential, then he would give the Cubs a strong trio come postseason time. However, if he comes back and struggles, then the team’s chances of making the playoffs decrease dramatically due to the lack of starting pitching.
Daniel Palencia
The last notable player that could come back within the next month is Daniel Palencia, who could return around mid-August. While this is later than originally thought, the Cubs are just going to be excited to get him back. The star closer has only pitched in 16.2 innings. Despite that, his season was strong with three saves, 19 strikeouts, and a 2.70 ERA. It has been clear that the team has missed him, as the lack of leverage arms has cost them a few games.
Despite the current arms that they have, Chicago lacks a true closer. Among all of the Cubs’ injuries, it can be argued that none has hurt the team more than Palencia. His return would be huge, as he can throw harder than anyone on the team. When he was announced as the Cubs’ closer in the spring, the hope was that he would continue to grow into an elite closer. Just like I said with Milner, adding more high-leverage arms allows the rest of the bullpen to return to their normal roles. Additionally, it would mean that they do not need to be aggressive in trying to bring in a new closer at the trade deadline.
A Few Other Notes on the Cubs’ Injuries
Matt Shaw is one of the few bats who has dealt with injuries. As of now, he is not close to returning as he has not begun to swing a bat. Justin Steele and Ben Brown are two of the most talented pitchers on the team, but have also been victim to the long list of Cubs injuries. At this point, it is hard to say when, if at all, they return. Although it is already known that Steele will not be a starting pitcher if he returns.
The Shaw injury hurts, but it does not change too much. He was a nice utility man, but lacked a starting role. Brown’s injury hurts the most, as he was having a breakout year. If he can not return, then it is a huge blow to the starting rotation. The Steele injury was known, as he came into 2026 hurt. It was hoped that he would be back during the late summer run, but it will likely not happen. Any return would help at this point, but it is hard to count on him being a difference-maker.
Last Word On the Cubs Injuries
At this point, many fans should be adjusted to seeing a long list of Cubs injuries. Despite losing Phil Maton back to the injured list, the tides may finally be turning, though, as Chicago looks to be gaining some huge returns. The good news came with some setbacks, and negative news about players not being close to returns, but at the end of the day, they need any reinforcements that they can get. The Cubs have managed to stay competitive, being in control of the top Wild Card spot, and these returns could help be enough to close the gap against the Brewers for the N.L. Central crown.
Main Photo: David Banks- Imagn Images
