Chicago Cubs DFA 10-Year Veteran Pitcher
Right-hander Yacksel Rios has been selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move, and left-hander Charlie Barnes has been recalled.
The reason for the rapid reversal is Riley Martin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with elbow inflammation retroactive to April 24.
The timing is rough for Velasquez, who earned his call-up with a solid spring and a 3.71 ERA across four appearances at Iowa, and then delivered in his only Cubs outing.
He threw 2.1 innings against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing just one hit in his first major league appearance since 2023.
It was not enough to stick around for a second one.
A Long Road Back
Velasquez, 33, has spent the last three years working his way back to the big leagues after a career that included nine MLB seasons across five organizations.
He made 191 career big league appearances, went 38-51 with a 4.88 ERA, and struck out 822 batters across 763.2 innings, his best years coming during a five-season run with the Phillies that began in 2016.
Elbow surgery wiped out his entire 2024 season.
In 2025, he pitched in the KBO League with the Lotte Giants and later attached himself to the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate, working to rebuild his arm and his resume.
#Cubs Roster Moves:
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 26, 2026
- Riley Martin goes on the 15-day IL (retro 4/24) with left elbow inflammation
- Charlie Barnes recalled from Triple-A
- Yacksel Rios contract selected
- Vince Velasquez DFA’d
The Cubs signed him to a minor league deal in February and he led Iowa in innings pitched this season while working primarily as a starter.
His one Cubs appearance did not produce a decision or a damage line, just 2.1 clean innings and one more step on a long road back.
Whether another team picks him up off waivers or he continues that road at the minor league level remains to be seen.
The Bigger Bullpen Picture
Martin's elbow injury is the more concerning story for Chicago.
The rookie left-hander had been one of the surprise performers of the Cubs' early season, posting a 2.16 ERA with a 32.3 percent strikeout rate and a 6.5 percent walk rate across 8.1 innings and eight appearances since his MLB debut in early April.
He joins an already lengthy injured list that includes Daniel Palencia, Caleb Thielbar, Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Porter Hodge, and Ethan Roberts.
#Cubs Roster Moves:
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 25, 2026
-RHP Vince Velasquez contract selected.
-Caleb Thielbar placed on the 15-day IL with a left hamstring strain.
-Scott Kingery designated for assignment.
The Cubs are 17-11 and second in the NL Central despite losing reliever after reliever to the IL.
Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
