Cubs Designate Merryweather for Assignment, Call Up Kriske

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Chicago Cubs announced today that right-handed reliever Julian Merryweather has been designated for assignment. In a corresponding move, the team selected right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske from Triple-A Iowa.

Merryweather, 33, is in his third season with the Cubs and was a key member of their bullpen in 2023. He recorded a 3.38 ERA over 69 appearances that year. However, injuries hindered him in 2024, and he has struggled in 2025, posting a 5.79 ERA in 21 games this season. Merryweather has a concerning trend of increased walks and decreased strikeouts, with 11 walks and 15 strikeouts in 18.2 innings this year.

Kriske, 31, previously pitched at the MLB level with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 and has a total of 20 games under his belt from stints with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles in 2020 and 2021. This season with the I-Cubs, Kriske has shown promise, recording a 2-0 record and a 3.38 ERA over 13 outings, with 28 strikeouts in 18.2 innings.

The Cubs announced that Kriske will wear uniform No. 57. This change comes as Kriske is the second reliever added to the team recently, following the activation of Ryan Brasier from the injured list.

The Cubs aim to secure a series victory against the Reds today at 3:10 p.m. local time, with the game accessible via the Marquee Sports Network.