"Ethan Roberts hit the Injured List on April 14 (the start of the Cubs early-season, ten-game winning streak) when a vent "unexpectedly fell" on him, cutting his finger. It was just "random bad luck," according to Counsell, and not only for Roberts, but for the Cubs, too, who were really in need of relievers at the time. Of course, they've gone 19-3 in his absence, so ... maybe it wasn't the end of the world."
"Anyway, he's back, and I'm glad to have him. When he's on, Roberts' slider can be a pretty devastating pitch, though he also comes armed with a 92.6 MPH cutter (most used pitch) and a 93.8 MPH sinker. Just look at this thing: Ethan Roberts' sweeper averaged the most horizontal break in MLB in 2025 (min. 50 pitches) at 21.4". He spins it at 3,100+ RPM."
"Roberts had logged just 2.2 innings before hitting the IL, but they were all scoreless, with just one hit and no walks combined, plus a 50% groundball rate and two Ks. I'm not sure we actually know if he's going to fulfill the potential the Cubs saw in him when they surprisngly elevated him to the big league team out of Spring Training back in 2022, but he definitely has some upside. And the Cubs can certainly use it."
"So now that he's healthy, the Cubs are activating Roberts, and optioning Hollowell, ahead of their three-game series against the Rangers in Arlington. As for Hollowell, it's kind of just a big bummer. I loved how he was looking in Spring Training, and he's had some success in Iowa, but the command has been just a little too shaky, including last night, when his first appearance after being called up went like this ..."
Ethan Roberts is activated after returning from the injured list, while Gavin Hollowell is optioned. Roberts previously went on the injured list on April 14 after an unexpected accident caused a finger injury. During his absence, the Cubs posted a strong record, reducing the immediate impact of the bullpen need. Roberts brings effective pitching tools, including a slider with strong results when he is on and additional pitches such as a cutter and sinker. Before the injury, he pitched limited innings with no runs allowed and strong control indicators. Hollowell’s option follows inconsistent command, including a shaky first appearance after a call-up.
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