Veteran Reliever Returns to Cubs Bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have activated veteran right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier from the injured list prior to their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. The veteran reliever returns to the Cubs bullpen after missing all but one of the team's 50 games so far in 2025.

Brasier, 37, was acquired in the offseason as the Cubs sent cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the righty reliever. Brasier had just been designated for assignment by the Dodgers after they signed Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, two free agents who the Cubs were also interested in.

Ethan Roberts, who was called up earlier this week to take Porter Hodge's roster spot after he went on the injured list, has been sent back down to Triple-A. Roberts did not pitch against the Miami Marlins.

Brasier made the trip to Japan back in March for the Tokyo Series and pitched in the season-opener. The Cubs then placed Brasier on the 15-day injured list because of a left groin strain right before their domestic opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cubs were cautious with Brasier, who didn't make his first rehab outing at Triple-A until May 7. Overall, Brasier pitched in six games for the Iowa Cubs and allowed two earned runs in 5.2 innings. He struck out six and walked one.

Brasier made his MLB debut back in 2013, with the Los Angeles. He's had his ups and downs throughout his big-league career, but some of his best pitching came in his last stop with the Dodgers. Brasier was released by the Boston Red Sox during the 2023 season and then signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers. During his time with LA, Brasier posted a 1.89 ERA in 66.2 innings.

When healthy, Brasier has been a steady performer out of the bullpen. He fills up the strike zone and in his most dominant stretches he'll rarely give up free bases via walks.

In 298 MLB appearances Brasier has recorded a 3.87 ERA with 282 strikeouts and 85 walks in 286.1 innings.

Craig Counsell is currently working without a true closing option as Ryan Pressly was recently demoted from the role and then Hodge was placed on the injured list. Daniel Palencia has gotten the last two save opportunities. Brasier should give Counsell more flexibility with his experience, so other reliable arms such as Brad Keller can be better rested after a heavy workload in recent weeks.