Cubs vs White Sox

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.

The Cubs had left open the possibility of activating Palencia from the 15-day injured list Friday, but they've decided to have him pitch in a rehab game first. If Palencia and the Cubs are satisfied with how things go Friday, it could be the only rehab outing he needs before returning to the active roster. Palencia is working his way back from a strain in his left (non-throwing) lat.

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.

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.

Martin was placed on the 15-day injured list over the weekend due to left elbow inflammation, but it's since been reported that he'll need more than the minimum to return to full strength. The Cubs are weathering quite the injury storm in the bullpen, as Daniel Palencia (lat), Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) and Hunter Harvey (triceps) are also on the shelf.

Bregman started the first 29 games of the season for the Cubs, so this will be his first night out of the starting lineup. Matt Shaw is making the start at third base and batting ninth for Chicago. Bregman is 0-for-10 at the plate over the last three contests after hitting safely in 14 of the previous 16 games.

Swanson was lifted prior to the bottom of the second inning in Tuesday's 8-3 win after experiencing a left glute cramp. The Cubs haven't indicated that Swanson is dealing with anything more significant than the cramp, so he's presumably just getting some extra rest Wednesday as a matter of precaution. Chicago is off Thursday, so Swanson will get two full days to recover before likely returning to the lineup Friday versus the Diamondbacks.

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.

The 28-year-old doubled and scored during the opening frame but was replaced by a pinch hitter during the second inning. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but the Cubs could offer some more information after Friday's contest. Hoerner should be considered day-to-day for now.

Baldwin was hurt during spring training and eventually diagnosed with a sprained UCL. The utility player elected to have surgery rather than rest and rehab, which has ended his 2026 campaign before it starts. Baldwin is expected to be ready for the start of spring training next year.

Murphy gave up seven runs over his first six innings out of the White Sox' bullpen this season before going down with a left elbow impingement. He has been sidelined only for just over two weeks, so Murphy's rehab assignment shouldn't take long if all goes well.

Pereira was labeled day-to-day after he exited Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Angels due to an injury that the White Sox initially referred to as a sore right shoulder, but follow-up tests revealed the pec strain. The White Sox are still in the process of evaluating Pereira and haven't offered up a clear timeline for his return, but he'll be out for at least the next week and a half after hitting the IL for the second time this season. The White Sox called up Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move to replenish their depth in the outfield, but Austin Hays could end up serving as Pereira's primary replacement in the starting nine.

Cannon went to the injured list April 14, but a clear timeline for his return was never established. That remains the case, as there has been nothing reported about his response to the bullpen session or when he will throw again. However, because a rehab assignment will be required, Cannon will be sidelined at least into early May.

Teel had been scheduled to kick off a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Monday, but that's been pushed back. The catcher noted that his hamstring strain -- which he initially suffered in mid-March while playing for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic -- is "getting better every day," but it just isn't progressing as quickly as hoped. Edgar Quero and Reese McGuire will continue handling catching duties for the White Sox until Teel is ready.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Dustin Harris. Vasil underwent Tommy John surgery in March and will be sidelined until around midseason next year.

Murray suffered the injury during Sunday's game against the Nationals when he landed awkwardly after making a diving catch in left field. It's unclear whether Murray will require surgery, but even if he doesn't, he's looking at an extended absence.

Fletcher saw action in 12 games in the majors with the White Sox in 2025, but after joining the Pirates on a minor-league pact over the winter, he was viewed as a longshot to break camp with the big club. He'll likely be in line for steady at-bats at Indianapolis but will presumably need an injury or two to hit the Pittsburgh outfield before he gets another chance in the big leagues.

Clevinger will be immobilized for several weeks before resuming workouts. The veteran right-hander has been pitching out of the bullpen at Triple-A Indianapolis, allowing five runs with a 9:5 K:BB across 8.2 innings. He won't be an option for the Pirates until sometime in June, at the earliest.