MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Ethan Roberts and selected right-handed pitcher Jorge López from Triple-A Iowa. In corresponding moves, right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right rib fracture (retroactive to June 27) and right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli has been designated for assignment.
Roberts, 26, began the season on the injured list, recovering from an elbow injury. In 13.1 innings pitched with the Iowa Cubs in 2024, including a rehab assignment, he has not allowed an earned run and has recorded 18 strikeouts, compared to six walks, and a 0.90 WHIP across 12 outings.
The Sparta, Tenn., native made his major league debut on April 9, 2022, with the Cubs and has played nine career major league games, all with Chicago in 2022. He was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2018 draft.
López, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on June 11 and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings in three games with the I-Cubs. He was 1-2 with two saves and a 3.76 ERA (11 ER/26.1 IP) in 28 games with the New York Mets to start this season.
Hailing from Caguas, P.R., López is 23-42 with 29 saves, a 5.42 ERA (305 ER/506.1 IP) and 437 strikeouts in 258 career major league games (58 starts) with the Brewers (2015, 2017-18), the Royals (2018-20), the Orioles (2020-23), the Twins (2022-23), the Marlins (2023) and the Mets (2024). He was selected by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2011 draft out of Caguas Military Academy.
Thompson, 29, has appeared in 13 games for the Cubs this season, all in relief, and posted to a 1-1 record with one save and a 3.50 ERA (7 ER/18.0 IP). In four outings since being recalled June 15, he has pitched 5.1 scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.
Nittoli, 33, was signed to a major league contract yesterday and did not make an appearance with the Cubs.
The Cubs play the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field tonight at 7:10 p.m. CT in a game that can be seen on Marquee Sports Network and heard on 670 the Score.
