Chicago Cubs are bringing Keegan Thompson back from Triple-A Iowa to bolster a taxed bullpen – The Denver Post

The Chicago Cubs bullpen is getting a reinforcement.

Right-hander Keegan Thompson was on a flight Thursday morning from Chicago to Pittsburgh — where the Cubs begin a four-game series Thursday night at PNC Park — and will be recalled before the series opener, the Tribune has learned. The Cubs do not announce any roster moves until shortly before they take the field for pregame work.

Thompson, 28, has been with Triple-A Iowa since the Cubs optioned him May 19 after prolonged inconsistencies. He owned a 4.22 ERA with 14 walks and 16 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings before his demotion.

Thompson’s struggles continued at Iowa, where he surrendered 24 runs, 24 hits and 20 walks and struck out 27 in 16 2/3 innings over his first 12 outings. He also missed five weeks while on the injured list from mid-June to late July.

He showed improved command in his last four appearances — all at least two innings — dating to Aug. 9. Thompson issued just one walk in 8 1/3 innings in that span while tallying eight strikeouts and allowing two earned runs.

Recalling Thompson provides a potential boost for a taxed bullpen. Manager David Ross’ three best high-leverage options — right-handers Mark Leiter Jr. (56), Julian Merryweather (55) and Adbert Alzolay (50) — have each exceeded career highs in appearances with five weeks left in the season.

Veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer has been getting more late-inning opportunities in key spots too. But having Thompson back and potentially recapturing his old form would be a huge boost for the Cubs down the stretch.

Thompson was expected to play a valuable role as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen after posting a 1.47 ERA in 12 relief appearances (36 2/3 innings) in 2022.

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