August 4, 2023
Chicago Cubs reliever
Brad Boxberger (forearm) has pitched a few bullpen sessions recently and will throw another on Friday, according to MLB.com. It's been a long stint on the injured list for the right-hander, who hasn't appeared in a game since May 13 after sustaining a right forearm strain. Boxberger began the season in the closer mix, picking up a pair of saves, but after posting a 5.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 20.0% strikeout rate, the Cubs started to use
Adbert Alzolay and
Mark Leiter Jr. in the ninth inning. There's still no timetable for his return, but he'll be fantasy irrelevant when he's finally back.
--Spencer SeguinSource: MLB.com
May 4, 2023
Chicago Cubs right-hander
Brad Boxberger was tagged with the loss in Thursday's contest with the Washington Nationals. He came into the game trying to maintain a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the ninth inning but gave up a leadoff walk-off homer to
Alex Call. Boxberger owns a 4.09 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with nine strikeouts and two saves across 11 innings and has been much better than
Michael Fulmer, who has posted a 6.57 ERA and was the other closer candidate coming into 2023. So, despite the 34-year-old's performance Thursday, fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his role and should expect him to receive the majority of save opportunities.
--Spencer SeguinSource: MLB.com
April 28, 2023
Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher
Brad Boxberger secured his second save of the season by shutting down the San Diego Padres on Thursday, closing out a 5-2 victory. Boxberger came in for the ninth and walked the leadoff hitter, but then coaxed a double play ball and a fly out to end the game. Boxberger has been mostly solid for the Cubs, and now holds a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. They are not elite numbers, but they're good enough that he should continue to see save opportunities with
Michael Fulmer now clearly out of the picture. He should be added in any leagues where saves are valuable.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2023
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Brad Boxberger was asked to shut the door in the ninth inning versus the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. This comes one day after fellow relief pitcher
Michael Fulmer blew the game. Boxberger did excellent with three strikeouts and only allowing one hit while securing the one-run victory for Chicago. He holds a 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 7/2 K/BB ratio over 6 1/3 innings this season. Boxberger could very well see more save chances if Fulmer continues to struggle.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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