The Chicago Cubs got a concerning update on Edward Cabrera after the right-hander struggled in his return to the rotation Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cabrera allowed seven earned runs on six hits in 3.2 innings during an 11-4 loss. He also walked three and struck out two in his first start back after missing time with a hamstring injury.
The outing also came with a finger issue. According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Cabrera said he had a blister on his middle finger that impacted his outing.
Cabrera had recently returned from the injured list after suffering the hamstring injury on June 23. The Cubs activated him ahead of Sunday's start after he completed a rehab outing at Double-A Knoxville, where he pitched five hitless innings with seven strikeouts and one walk.
The rough outing was a difficult way for Cabrera to rejoin Chicago's rotation. He entered Sunday with a 5-4 record and a 5.10 ERA across 14 starts, giving the Cubs another experienced arm for the stretch run.
Cabrera's 2026 numbers now sit at a 5-5 record, a 5.68 ERA, 67 strikeouts and a 1.45 WHIP. Sunday's performance added seven earned runs and six hits to those totals while limiting him to fewer than four innings.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The blister is now another issue for the Cubs to monitor as they determine Cabrera's availability moving forward. The right-hander has already dealt with a significant absence this season, making his health an important part of Chicago's rotation plans.
For now, the Cubs will have to assess how Cabrera's middle-finger blister responds after Sunday's outing. His next opportunity to pitch will depend on how the issue develops and whether he is able to work through it without another interruption.
ALSO SEE: MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Monday, Aug. 17
