Full Breakdown
Cubs Recall Veteran Lefty Drew Pomeranz, Option Jordan Wicks Ahead of Cardinals Series
7/4/2026, 2:29:52 AM
Roster Move Overview
On July 3, 2026, the Chicago Cubs selected left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned left-hander Jordan Wicks to the same affiliate, filling a spot on the 26-man roster for the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Background and Recent Performance
Pomeranz posted a 2-2 record, one save, 2.17 ERA, 1.067 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 49.2 innings for Chicago in 2025. After a $4 million deal with the Angels, he went 0-3 with a 5.01 ERA and 13 earned runs in 23.1 innings before his June 18 release. In two Iowa outings he threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Wicks, recalled June 28, worked four innings, allowed one run, earned two saves, but entered the season 0-2 with a 10.45 ERA.
Key Figures
Drew Pomeranz, 37, left-hander with a 2025 2.17 ERA and 2016 All-Star honor; Jordan Wicks, 26, left-hander with a 10.45 ERA in 2026; Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations.
Data and Statistics
2025: Pomeranz 2-2, 1 SV, 2.17 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, 57 K, 15 BB, 49.2 IP. 2026 Angels: 0-3, 5.01 ERA, 13 ER, 23.1 IP, 16 K, 12 BB. Career: 13 seasons, 3.85 ERA, 956 K, 931.1 IP, 50-63/64 record, 144 starts, 371 games. Wicks 2026: 0-2, 10.45 ERA, 4 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 SO, 2 SV. Cubs team ERA: 4.23.
Official Statements & Responses
Jed Hoyer highlighted Pomeranz’s heavy workload last season and expressed confidence he can regain form, while noting the pitcher’s recent struggles with the Angels and emphasizing a low-key, competitive approach.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts pointed to Pomeranz’s 5.01 ERA and elbow inflammation with the Angels and Wicks’s 10.45 ERA as indicators of bullpen uncertainty.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list Pomeranz’s career record as 50-64 in one account and 50-63 in another; the Cubs have not detailed a long-term plan for his swingman role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was such a big part of last year,” — Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations
- “Obviously, he struggled a bit with the Angels, but our hope is that we can get him back on track,” — Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations
- “No expectations, just believe in the competitor, believe in the person.” — Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations
- “Pomeranz opened the year with the Angels. He struggled to a 5.01 ERA in 25 appearances. The lefty also missed time with elbow inflammation. Los Angeles released Pomeranz in mid-June. He joined the Cubs on a minor league deal a few days later. Pomeranz spent 2025 in Chicago, pitching to a 2.17 ERA as a valuable member of the bullpen.” — Charlie Wright, MLBTR.com reporter
What’s Next
The Cubs will debut Pomeranz against the Cardinals on July 4, potentially using him as a swingman—starting or relieving—based on bullpen needs. Jordan Wicks remains in Iowa, aiming for a rebound before a possible recall later in the season.
