Cubs Close To Acquiring Ryan Pressly
Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. It would be the second trade the two clubs have pulled off this offseason, with the Cubs landing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros in exchange for infielders Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith. As things currently stand, Porter Hodge is the favorite to open the 2025 season a the Cubs' primary closer, so it's no surprise the team has been actively looking to improve the back end of their bullpen. If Chicago does acquire Pressly, he'd immediately become the favorite for closer duties on the north side. The 36-year-old was a setup man in Houston in 2024 after Josh Hader arrived, and he had 25 holds (12th-most in baseball). Although Pressly's walk and strikeout rates declined, his fantasy stock would be boosted as a closer again if he joins the Cubs.
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports that the Chicago Cubs are on the verge of acquiring right-handed reliever Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
Ryan Pressly's Status TBD For Friday's Game
Ryan Pressly (knee) played catch on Thursday and is doing so again on Friday before the series opener at Wrigley Field against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. However, Pressly's availability for Friday's game is still to be determined, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. It's good news that Pressly has played catch the last two days after having his right knee drained on Tuesday, but he might not be available to pitch in a save situation against the Phillies on Friday. Porter Hodge is the likely next man up -- he picked up the save on Wednesday when Pressly was unavailable -- but Hodge has also worked in two of the team's last three games. If both Pressly and Hodge are unavailable on Friday, it could be Julian Merryweather getting the nod in a save situation for the Cubbies if one arises.
Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
Ryan Pressly Dealing With Knee Issues
Ryan Pressly (knee) had his right knee drained on Tuesday night, according to manager Craig Counsell. He hopes for him to be available on Friday. Pressly hasn't pitched since Sunday and was noticeably absent in Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Dodgers, where Porter Hodge picked up his first save of the season. Luckily, the injury doesn't appear to be serious if the Cubs are anticipating a return in a couple of days. He's been solid in the closer role in 2025, posting a 2.45 ERA with four saves through 11 appearances.
Source: Andy Martinez
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Source: Andy Martinez
Ryan Pressly Records Fourth Save
Ryan Pressly picked up his fourth save of the season on Sunday, slamming the door on the Dodgers in a 4-2 win. He pitched a scoreless ninth with one strikeout and no hits or walks. It was his first save since April 4th, which was the last time the Cubs found themselves in a save situation. After giving up runs in each of his first two appearances of the year, Pressly has managed to avoid any earned runs in his five games since. He holds a 3.38 ERA on the season and looks locked in as the Cubs full-time closer.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Source: MLB.com
Ryan Pressly Secures Save Despite Shaky Ninth
Ryan Pressly notched his first save of the season in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Diamondbacks, but it wasn't without drama. The righty came on in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run lead, but after a leadoff single, Eugenio Suarez belted his fourth home run of the season, and the lead quickly evaporated to one run. Two more batters would reach before pinch runner Garrett Hampson would bail Pressly out by overrunning third base on Corbin Carroll's infield single, with Hampson getting tagged out to end the game. Pressly finished with two earned runs allowed on four hits and one walk while striking out one. In his first appearance during the Tokyo Series, the 36-year-old walked three batters, and on Thursday, he allowed two hits and a run, so we've yet to see a clean inning from the veteran. We'll see how long the Cubs give him to right the ship, but more of this and it could be time to turn to Porter Hodge, who was the Cubs' closer down the stretch last season.
Source: ESPN
Chicago Cubs closer Source: ESPN
Read More News