CINCINNATI – The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher José Cuas from the bereavement list and optioned left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay to Triple-A Iowa in advance of the second contest of the team’s split doubleheader against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Cuas, 29, has no record and a 0.75 ERA (1 ER/12.0 IP) in 11 relief appearances since he was acquired by the Cubs from the Royals for outfielder Nelson Velázquez, July 31. Cuas was placed on the bereavement list August 29. The righthander is 7-2 with one save, 17 holds and a 3.65 ERA (37 ER/91.1 IP) in 103 games, all but one as a reliever, for the Royals (2022-23) and Cubs. He has walked 56 and struck out 93, good for an average of 9.2 strikeouts per 9.0 innings.
Cuas was selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft as an infielder and was converted to a pitcher by the Brewers following the 2017 season. In five minor league seasons on the mound, he is 13-7 with a 2.64 ERA (38 ER/129.1 IP) in 89 relief appearances, walking 39 batters and striking out 121. He signed with the Royals as a minor league free agent in June of 2021.
Kay, 28, has pitched to a 6.35 ERA (8 ER/11.1 IP) in 13 games with the Cubs this season. He was acquired by the club off waivers from Toronto in December 2022.
