Cubs Reinstate Cabrera from IL to Bolster Bullpen, Thornton Placed on List

The Cubs reinstated right-hander Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list and placed reliever Trent Thornton on the injured list with a left ankle injury. Cabrera, who has dealt with multiple injuries and appeared in only one major-league game since June 23, will move to the bullpen for the remainder of the season and postseason. He struggled as a starter, going 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 76 innings, and allowed six earned runs in 3.2 innings during his Triple-A rehab assignment. Chicago is hoping Cabrera’s high-90s fastball and power arsenal can strengthen a bullpen that has been pressed by injuries, though his recent performance suggests he will initially work in lower-leverage situations. Thornton had posted a 3.35 ERA, three saves and 31 strikeouts in 48 relief appearances before going on the injured list.