Cubs Move Harvey to IL, Call Up Barnes from Triple-A

The Chicago Cubs have adjusted their pitching staff on April 12, 2026, by placing right-handed pitcher Hunter Harvey on the 15-day injured list and selecting the contract of left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa.

Harvey was placed on the injured list due to right triceps inflammation. The move is retroactive to April 9, 2026.

In four appearances for the Cubs this season, Harvey posted a 0-1 record and a 6.75 ERA, recording four strikeouts across four innings of work.

Charlie Barnes Joins the Bullpen

To fill the vacancy in the bullpen, the Cubs recalled the 30-year-old Barnes, who signed a minor-league deal in January 2026. Barnes was added to the 40-man roster following the designation for assignment of Dylan Carlson on April 10, 2026.

Barnes has a history of professional experience both in the United States and abroad. He previously played for the Minnesota Twins in 2021, appearing in nine games, eight of which were starts, where he finished with a 5.92 ERA in 38 innings.

Following his time with the Twins, Barnes spent the last four years pitching for Lotte in the KBO. He returned to the U.S. This spring, appearing in two Spring Training games for the Cubs where he threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Prior to his call-up on April 12, 2026, Barnes pitched in three games for Triple-A Iowa. He posted a 2.38 ERA over 11.1 innings, recording 14 strikeouts while allowing eight hits and issuing six walks.

Bullpen and Rotation Depth Challenges

The loss of Harvey further strains a Cubs bullpen that has already seen recent casualties. Reliever Phil Maton was placed on the injured list on April 10, 2026, while dealing with right knee tendinitis.

The Cubs have been active in adding arm depth to the bullpen. Barnes joins a group of recent additions that includes right-hander Jacob Webb, left-hander Hoby Milner and Phil Maton. The team re-signed veteran Caleb Thielbar over the winter. Notably, Barnes and Thielbar were teammates with the Twins in 2021.

The pitching staff’s struggles extend to the starting rotation. Cade Horton is out for the remainder of the season, and Matthew Boyd is currently on the injured list with a left biceps strain.

These roster moves were finalized prior to the Cubs’ Sunday finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.