Cubs’ Newest Addition Embraces Opportunity With New Team

The Chicago Cube made several roster moves Monday ahead of their game against the Atlanta Braves.

One of those moves was the addition of starting pitcher Aaron Civale to the active roster. Civale was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox by the Cubs and he is expected to be with Chicago for the remainder of the season.

In a bit of a surprising decision, Civale was moved to the bullpen for the first time in his career. He had a chance to speak to the media prior to Monday’s game, and he embraced his role with his new team.

“(It’s a) good opportunity,” Civale said via a post on X from Marquee Sports Network. “Just doing my best to take advantage of it and come in here and try to help the team. I know a bunch of faces over here so that’ll make it easy to settle in.”

The Cubs will be Civale’s third stop this season, as he’s spent time with the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and crosstown rival Chicago White Sox. It’s been a rough go in both places, as Civale entered Monday with a 3-9 record and 5.26 ERA across 18 starts.

Chicago’s starting rotation is currently full and that ultimately led to the decision to use Civale out of the bullpen, something he’s never done in his career. He was thrown into the fire right away and made his first career relief appearance in Monday’s extra-inning win over the Atlanta Braves

Civale pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts in his first career relief appearance. He held the Braves at bay in those three innings and allowed the Cubs to chip away at what was a 6-1 Atlanta lead when he entered the game.

Civale’s ability to remain a trustworthy option for Craig Counsell will be crucial for a Cubs bullpen that has frequently been used over the past several weeks. He may even become trustworthy enough to pitch meaningful postseason innings for the first time in his career.

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