Overview
- The Cubs recalled Antoine Kelly on Friday, July 31, 2026, and he will make his big‑league debut after Gavin Hollowell was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
- Kelly posted a 2.79 ERA with a 26.5% strikeout rate and an 8.4% walk rate in 13 appearances for Triple‑A Iowa after Chicago acquired him for cash from the Dodgers in early June.
- The 26‑year‑old relies heavily on a high‑velocity four‑seam and sinker mix and a slider that he threw about 39% of the time in the minors, with an occasional changeup.
- Chicago has had significant pitching turnover due to injuries to several relievers and starters, and the team said closer Daniel Palencia is throwing and nearing a return from a mild elbow flexor strain.
- Kelly’s promotion is a short‑term depth move that gives the Cubs a left‑handed option for the weekend series against the Yankees and offers Kelly his first chance to show if his Triple‑A stuff can translate to the majors.