Cubs Turn to Rookie Pitcher in Unconventional Pitching Strategy

Young lefty Riley Martin to start as Cubs deal with early-season pitching injuries

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Cubs' blue and red colors, capturing the unconventional nature of their pitching strategy.The Cubs' patchwork pitching staff must find creative solutions to stay competitive as injuries mount early in the season.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs, dealing with a rash of early-season injuries to their pitching staff, are turning to rookie left-hander Riley Martin to start Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies in an unconventional bullpen game strategy.

Why it matters

The Cubs' pitching woes have forced them to get creative with their rotation, relying on unproven young arms like Martin to keep them competitive while they wait for injured starters to return. This early-season adversity could set the tone for the Cubs' season if they can't find a way to weather the storm.

The details

With Cade Horton out for the year and Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele sidelined, the Cubs will have Martin open the game before handing it off to long reliever Colin Rea. Making his MLB debut this year, the 24-year-old Martin has yet to allow a run or walk a batter in his 3.1 innings of work so far. The Cubs are hoping he can give them a solid start before Rea and others can stabilize the game.

  • The Cubs lost the opening game of the series against the Phillies on Monday night.
  • Martin will be making the start on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Riley Martin

A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher making his MLB debut this season for the Cubs.

Javier Assad

The Cubs' starting pitcher who struggled in the series opener against the Phillies on Monday night.

Colin Rea

A long reliever for the Cubs who is expected to enter the game after Martin's opening stint.

Cade Horton

A Cubs pitcher who is out for the year with an injury.

Matthew Boyd

A Cubs pitcher who is sidelined until at least next week.

Justin Steele

A Cubs pitcher who is hopeful to return at some point before the summer.

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What they’re saying

“If he establishes himself as a legitimate option to give the team a few solid innings before a long reliever like Rea or Ben Brown enters the game, perhaps this storm could have a real chance at being weathered.”

— Taylor McGregor, Reporter, Marquee Sports

What’s next

If Martin struggles in his start, the Cubs will need to find other options to stabilize their pitching staff and keep them competitive while key arms recover from injuries.

The takeaway

The Cubs' early-season pitching woes have forced them to get creative with their rotation, relying on unproven young arms like Riley Martin to keep them in games. This unconventional strategy will be put to the test as the Cubs try to weather the storm of injuries and find a way to stay competitive in the NL Central.