Cubs Place Keegan Thompson on IL, Recall Anderson Espinoza

The Cubs have placed right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson on the 15-day injured list with low back tightness. He lasted only 3.2 innings Friday afternoon against the Brewers, allowing five earned runs on six total hits — three of which were homers — with just three strikeouts to three walks. Right-handed pitcher Anderson Espinoza has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take the open spot.

Espinoza, 24, is 0-2 with a 4.11 ERA in six games out of the bullpen over five stints with the Cubs in 2022. He has split the rest of the season between Iowa and Double-A Tennessee, appearing in 15 games (13 starts) combined. On June 28 with Tennessee, he threw the first 5.0 innings of a combined no-hitter against Rocket City.

Thompson is 9-5 with a 3.97 ERA in 25 games (17 starts) for the Cubs this season. His nine wins are the most on the team, while his 91 strikeouts are the second-most. This will keep him out until at least a week into September, but the Cubs are probably going to be very cautious with his return. If Thompson does come back this season, his workload will likely be limited.