Cubs Place Hunter Harvey on IL, Call Up Charlie Barnes

The Cubs make roster moves to address pitching staff injuries ahead of Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:08pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange tones, conveying the strategic challenges of managing a pitching staff.The Cubs' roster moves to address pitching injuries expose the geometric complexity of modern baseball strategy.Today in Pittsburgh

The Chicago Cubs have placed right-handed pitcher Hunter Harvey on the 15-day injured list due to right triceps inflammation and selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Iowa to join the bullpen.

Why it matters

The Cubs' pitching staff has faced several injuries early in the season, with reliever Phil Maton and starter Cade Horton also on the IL. Bringing up Barnes provides additional depth and options for the bullpen as the team looks to stay competitive in the NL Central.

The details

In four appearances this season, Harvey posted a 0-1 record and 6.75 ERA. Barnes, 30, has major league experience with the Twins in 2021 and spent the last four seasons pitching in the KBO. Prior to his call-up, he had a 2.38 ERA in 11.1 innings at Triple-A Iowa.

  • Harvey was placed on the IL retroactive to April 9, 2026.
  • Barnes' contract was selected on April 12, 2026.

The players

Hunter Harvey

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right triceps inflammation.

Charlie Barnes

A 30-year-old left-handed pitcher who was called up from Triple-A Iowa to join the Cubs' bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build pitching depth as we navigate these early-season injuries. Charlie has proven himself at the minor-league level and we're excited to see what he can do at the big-league level.”

— Carter Hawkins, Cubs General Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will evaluate Harvey's recovery timeline and determine when he may be able to return from the injured list.

The takeaway

The Cubs' roster moves highlight the importance of organizational pitching depth, as the team works to overcome early-season injuries and field a competitive team in the NL Central race.