Following another difficult appearance against the Reds on Friday, the Chicago Cubs have designated right-hander Julian Merryweather for assignment. Merryweather, who began the 2025 season impressively with a 2.08 ERA across his first 14 outings, has recently faltered, posting a 14.29 ERA and 3.177 WHIP over his last seven games, including surrendering two home runs in just 5⅔ innings.

Brooks Kriske Called Up to Replace Merryweather

In response to Merryweather’s decline, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer and the front office have promoted right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske from Triple-A Iowa. Kriske, who has previously pitched in 20 MLB games between 2020 and 2023 for the Yankees, Orioles, and Royals, has struggled at the major league level but continues to showcase potential in the minors. This season at Triple-A Iowa, Kriske has recorded a 3.38 ERA with a 1.125 WHIP over 13 appearances and 18⅔ innings, along with 28 strikeouts and eight walks.

Cubs’ Strategy and Future Options

This move appears to be not only a chance to give Kriske an opportunity but also a strategic decision to preserve the options of another pitcher, Gavin Hollowell, for later in the season. Should Kriske prove effective, the Cubs may keep him on the roster longer; if not, he could be designated for assignment himself to make room for other pitchers. Kriske will debut wearing uniform No. 57 as the Cubs monitor his performance moving forward.