Edward Cabrera was activated from the IL and will start against the Cardinals. The 28‑year‑old has been out since late June with a left hamstring strain and is 5‑4 with a 5.10 ERA in 14 starts for Chicago this season, his first with the Cubs.

To make room, the club demoted right‑hander Javier Assad to Triple‑A Iowa. Manager Craig Counsell said the move was to preserve every pitcher. Assad, 29, has been solid (6‑1, 3.59 ERA in 21 games) but has only minor‑league options.

Cabrera’s return also shifts left‑hander David Peterson into a bullpen role for now, though no long‑term plan has been announced. The rotation is deeper than ever thanks to the trade‑deadline acquisitions of Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, which forced Assad to the minors and Colin Rea and Peterson to the bullpen. The Cubs still await the return of relievers Hoby Milner (appendicitis), Daniel Palencia (forearm) and Ben Brown (neck) before season’s end.