Cubs vs Rangers

Horton required a full Tommy John repair on his right UCL, which means he's unlikely to be ready to pitch again for the Cubs until the second half of 2027. The 24-year-old has authored a 2.66 ERA in his first 25 appearances (24 starts) at the major-league level.

Thielbar had to come out of Thursday's game against the Phillies early after suffering an injury on the mound, and he'll now be forced to sit out at least another 15 days. The 39-year-old had been serving as Chicago's closer with Daniel Palencia (oblique) on the injured list, but that responsibility could be passed on to Ben Brown for the time being. Vince Velasquez was selected from Triple-A Iowa to fill the open spot in the Cubs' bullpen.

Palencia initially landed on the injured list Friday with a left oblique strain, but imaging has now confirmed him to be dealing with a lat issue. Counsell noted that the 26-year-old reliever is responding very well to treatment and could begin throwing by the time the Cubs begin their weekend series in Los Angeles. If his rehab continues to progress smoothly, he may be cleared to return to Chicago's bullpen in about two weeks.

It's unclear what injury Roberts is dealing with, but it will cost him at least the next couple weeks of action. The right-hander has made three scoreless appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen this season.

Harvey has been 15-day injured list since April 12 due to triceps inflammation, but hadn't pitched for a week prior to the designation. With the right-hander restarting is throwing program Friday, it probably pushes his return past the end of April.

Maton was cleared to pitch in games after getting through a live batting practice session with no issues. Working his way back from right knee tendinitis, Maton could require just the one rehab appearance before rejoining the Cubs' bullpen. When Maton does return, he might be considered for save chances while Daniel Palencia (oblique) is out, though a 13.50 ERA before getting hurt could point to easing him into such situations.

Hodge will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery Tuesday, so the Cubs will stash him away on the 60-day IL and give his 40-man roster spot to Nicky Lopez.

After signing a minor-league deal with Minnesota in February, Merryweather had been attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee and was expected to compete for a spot in the Twins' Opening Day bullpen. He never made headway in the job battle, however, as he strained his left hamstring during his first Grapefruit League appearance Feb. 24 and has yet to pitch since. Merryweather has since resumed running and has been playing catch, but he could be headed for a stint on Triple-A St. Paul's injured list to begin the season.

Baumler has been shelved since early April with a right intercostal strain. The Rule 5 pick seems likely to make multiple rehab appearances before rejoining the Rangers' bullpen around the beginning of May.

Martin entered a 3-3 game in the top of the ninth inning and left with Texas trailing. He gave up a leadoff double to Spencer Steer followed by a Tyler Stephenson two-run home run. Martin, who entered the season as part of a closer committee, has allowed five runs (four earned) over 2.2 innings. All five runs crossed the plate in the ninth inning of games.

Curvelo threw just two pitches Tuesday before leaving the game with an injury, and he's now set to miss at least the next 15 days as well. With Chris Martin (biceps) also landing on the IL on Wednesday, Gavin Collyer and Cal Quantrill will come up from the minors to fill the openings in Texas' pitching staff.

Garcia hasn't pitched in a week due to the injury, and the Rangers finally decided to put him on the IL. The reliever will be eligible to return May 5, though it's unclear whether the Rangers expect him to be ready by that time. Jakob Junis has been serving as the Rangers' primary closer this season, and that should continue while Garcia is sidelined.

Langford was diagnosed with a Grade 1 flexor strain following his removal from Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh. Although his injury is severe enough to send him to the IL, the 24-year-old outfielder said he believes he will be able to return from the injured list when eligible May 2. Until then, Ezequiel Duran seems to be ticketed for regular starts in left field, and Alejandro Osuna will come up from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the open roster spot.

Leiter tossed 57 of his 84 pitches for strikes, and while he didn't factor into the decision, this was far from his best outing. The right-hander has been struggling of late, and this was his third consecutive start in which he allowed at least three earned runs while failing to pitch six complete innings. He hasn't earned a quality start since his first start of the season, when he tossed six innings of two-run ball against the Orioles on March 30. Leiter, who has seen his ERA increase all the way up to 4.97, is scheduled to make his next start at home against the Yankees next week.