The Chicago Cubs are making a pair of roster moves on Tuesday before their series against the Athletics, which is ironic because those roster moves involve a former Athletics player.
Per multiple reports, the Cubs are optioning 4-year MLB pitcher Jordan Wicks to Triple-A Iowa and recalled pitcher Tyler Ferguson to join the bullpen.
The Cubs announced the moves via their X account.
More MLB on Heavy: Blue Jays 8-Year MLB Player Elects Free Agency Before Braves Series
Cubs Option Jordan Wicks, Recall Tyler Ferguson
GettyST LOUIS, MISSOURI – MAY 31: Jordan Wicks #36 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 31, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
CBSSports roto wire staff recently aggregated the news of Jordan Wicks being optioned:
“He has been rocked for 11 runs over 6.1 innings in his two starts for the Cubs this season. Wicks’ demotion seems to clear the way for Edward Cabrera (finger) to rejoin the rotation this weekend against the Giants.”
As CBS reports, Edward Cabrera should be set to rejoin the rotation soon, which is good news for the Cubs, who need the help in the starting staff, and Jordan Wicks was not giving them any help.
Tyler Ferguson is also likely a temporary arm in the Cubs bullpen. He pitched 1.1 innings for the Athletics this season, but was tagged for four earned runs in that span. He posted a 4.66 ERA with the Athletics in 2025 over 58 innings.
More MLB on Heavy: St. Louis Cardinals Trade Prediction Lands Giantsâ $115 Million All-Star Starter for Two Prospects
Jordan Wicks was Once a Top Cubs Prospect
GettyPITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 26: Jordan Wicks #36 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on May 26, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Things just haven’t worked out in the majors for Jordan Wicks.
He’s till just 26, but over 19 starts spread across four MLB seasons, he holds a 5.86 ERA in 101.1 total innings with just 85 strikeouts. The Cubs will need to see more from his at the MLB level before they make a difficult decision on his status within the organization, and it’s hard to see when those opportunities will come.
Once a 1st round MLB draft pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2021, Wicks swiftly moved through the Cubs minor league system, but hit a big stop sign when advancing to MLB.
Now, his roster spot is anything but guaranteed, and he is being replaced by a 32-year-old pitcher for a low-leverage bullpen role.
More MLB on Heavy: Philadelphia Phillies Urged to Trade for Royalsâ $51 Million Starter In Latest Rumor
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Chicago Cubs Demote 4-Year MLB Pitcher in Favor of Former Athletics Player appeared first on HEAVY.