CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have experienced an unexpected shake-up in their bullpen, as reliever Keegan Thompson finds himself at the center of an unforeseen development. Once considered a key piece of the team’s relief corps, Thompson’s situation has taken a surprising turn that could significantly impact the Cubs’ pitching depth moving forward.
Thompson, who had been a dependable arm out of the bullpen in previous seasons, struggled with consistency early in the 2024 campaign. His command issues and drop in velocity raised concerns among the Cubs’ coaching staff, prompting speculation about his role within the team. After several shaky outings, the Cubs made the difficult decision to option Thompson to Triple-A Iowa in an effort to help him regain his form.
“It’s never easy making a move like this, especially with a guy who has contributed a lot to this team,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “Keegan has great stuff, but we need him to get back to the pitcher we know he can be.”
Thompson’s demotion comes as a shock to many, given his strong performances in previous seasons. In 2022, he emerged as one of the Cubs’ most reliable relievers, posting a 3.38 ERA over 115 innings. However, a combination of mechanical inconsistencies and a lack of command has derailed his effectiveness this year.
The Cubs remain optimistic that Thompson can rediscover his rhythm in Iowa and return to contribute at the major league level. With a bullpen that has already faced some early-season adversity, his resurgence could prove crucial for the team’s postseason aspirations.
As Thompson works through his struggles in the minors, the Cubs will look to other bullpen options to fill the void. Young relievers like Daniel Palencia and Luke Little may see increased opportunities to step up in high-leverage situations.
For now, the Cubs and their fans will be watching closely, hoping that this unexpected twist in Thompson’s career ultimately leads to a triumphant return to Wrigley Field.
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