The Chicago Cubs placed righty reliever Hunter Harvey on the injured list Sunday due to inflammation in his right triceps. Harvey, who signed a $6 million one-year contract this offseason, appeared in only four games before the team placed him on the IL. Manager Craig Counsell cited concerns about Harvey's recovery, noting they're being cautious given his injury history.

Harvey's injury compounds problems for a team already struggling. He joins reliever Phil Maton on the shelf, creating significant depth issues in the Cubs bullpen. Chicago called up lefty Charlie Barnes to replace Harvey, though Barnes hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021. The Cubs have dropped the first two games of their home weekend series against the Pirates.

The offensive struggles continue with first baseman Michael Busch, who hit 34 home runs last season, in a 0-for-30 slump and receiving a day off Sunday. Counsell called it a mental reset for a hitter who has lost his timing at the plate. Busch acknowledged swinging at pitches out of the zone, which he admitted is "never really a recipe for success."