Cubs Activate Rowan Wick, Option Trevor Megill, Recall Kyle Ryan as 27th Man

The Cubs activated right-handed pitcher Rowan Wick off the 60-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Trevor Megill to Triple-A Iowa prior to game two of Tuesday’ split doubleheader vs. the Brewers. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Ryan has been recalled from Iowa and will serve as tonight’s 27th man for the late game.

The 28-year-old Wick opened the season on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 26. That’s the same injury that shelved him for the latter portion of the 2020 season. He held the opponent scoreless in seven of eight rehab outings between High-A South Bend and Triple-A Iowa from July 17-August 8. In his final four appearances with Iowa, spun 4.0 scoreless innings with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Wick posted a 3.12 ERA with four saves in 19 relief appearances for the Cubs last season, walking six and striking out 20 before he landed on the 10-day injured list on September 17. He may have to ease back into a high-leverage role, but should be the closer in short order if the Cubs ever again have a late lead to protect.

Ryan has no record with one save and a 5.54 ERA in 12 relief appearances over what has been a yo-yo season between Chicago and Des Moines. The S’s are silent but Ryan has been buzzing to a 2.52 ERA and a .092 WHIP while striking out 24 compared to seven walks over 19 appearances in Triple-A

Megill has no record and a 13.50 ERA in 12 relief outings for Chicago this season, walking six and striking out eight. In 12 relief appearances with Iowa this season, he has posted a 5.14 ERA.