Rookie LHP Riley Martin (elbow) sent to 15-day IL

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th April, 23:57 2026

Apr 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Riley Martin (51) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs rookie left-hander Riley Martin was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation on Sunday.

Martin, selected by Chicago in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, and was elevated to the Cubs roster in early April as the team's No. 28 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Martin, 28, has dished scoreless relief innings in seven of his last eight appearances with 10 strikeouts. He has a 2.16 ERA and two walks in 8 1/3 innings.

The move, retroactive to Friday, adds to a pile of injury troubles in Chicago, as Martin became the seventh since the regular season began, and the 11th pitcher since the start of spring training. In response to Martin's injury, the Cubs recalled lefty Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa

"The next guy's got to do his job,'' Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. "We've had a number of guys get opportunities. We've got guys coming back soon, so that's a good thing. But again, the injuries ... they have an effect eventually.''

Barnes, 30, is 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA, three walks and one strikeout in three innings in his lone appearance for Chicago this season on April 13 in a 13-7 loss at Philadelphia.

In other moves on Sunday, the Cubs selected Yacksel Rios from Iowa and designated fellow right-hander Vince Velasquez for assignment.

Chicago has lost two in a row to Los Angeles coming off a 10-game win streak, and prepares for a three-match series against the host San Diego Padres.

-Field Level Media

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