MILWAUKEE – The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher Manuel Rodríguez from the 60-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Kervin Castro to Triple-A Iowa. To make room on the 40-man roster for Rodríguez, right-handed pitcher Alec Mills has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Rodríguez, 26, will wear uniform number 39 and looks to make his first major league appearance this season. He began the year at Triple-A Iowa before being recalled and placed on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow strain June 1. The righthander registered one save with a 1.50 ERA (1 ER/6.0 IP), along with 12 strikeouts against two walks, in five outings during rehab assignments with the ACL Cubs and Iowa from August 9-24. All told, he owns a 1-0 record with one save and a 5.63 ERA (5 ER/8.0 IP) in seven minor league relief appearances this season.
A Mérida, México native, Rodríguez is in his sixth season in the Cubs organization after being signed as a non-drafted free agent July 21, 2016. He made his major league debut last season, appearing in 20 games out of the bullpen, going 3-3 with one save and a 6.11 ERA (12 ER/17.2 IP). Rodríguez played for the National League in the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, tossing one scoreless inning. He was placed on the injured list September 17, 2021, and missed the rest of the season with right shoulder inflammation.
Castro, 22, is 0-1 with a 10.22 ERA (14 ER/12.1 IP) in 10 relief appearances between the Cubs and San Francisco Giants this season.
Mills, 30, was placed on the 15-day injured list July 3 with a low back strain. He has an 0-1 record and a 9.68 ERA (19 ER/17.2) in seven appearances (two starts) with the Cubs.
