The Chicago Cubs faced another tense injury moment on Wednesday night after starting pitcher Edward Cabrera suddenly exited the game against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning. For a team already struggling with multiple pitching injuries, Cabrera walking off the mound immediately raised concern across the Cubs fanbase.
At first, many feared the worst when Cabrera threw just one pitch in the fourth inning before manager Craig Counsell and the medical staff visited the mound. However, the Cubs later confirmed that the right-hander left the game because of a blister on his right middle finger.
The update brought relief, especially considering how badly the Cubs need healthy arms in their rotation right now.
Edward Cabrera Leaves Game Early Against Brewers
Cabrera’s outing ended suddenly after he appeared uncomfortable on the mound. Cameras showed him pacing and talking with members of the coaching and training staff before the decision was made to remove him from the contest.
Looking like another pitcher injury for the Cubs as Edward Cabrera exits the game in the fourth inning pic.twitter.com/RHIf0MiRFI
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 21, 2026
Edward Cabrera left the game with an apparent injury after his first pitch in the 4th inning 😬
— The Windy City Breakdown (@wcb_pod) May 21, 2026
The Cubs have Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele already on the IL pic.twitter.com/LXim88rzoR
Trent Thornton entered the game in relief after Cabrera’s exit.
Before leaving, Cabrera completed three innings and allowed four runs, though only one of those runs was earned because of defensive mistakes behind him.
Edward Cabrera Stats vs Brewers
| Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 3.0 |
| Runs Allowed | 4 |
| Earned Runs | 1 |
| Hits Allowed | 4 |
| Walks | 2 |
| Strikeouts | 2 |
| Total Pitches | 61 |
| Strikes Thrown | 32 |
One notable moment before the injury was Cabrera’s final fastball, which registered at 92.5 mph — reportedly his slowest four-seam fastball of the season.
Cubs Confirm Blister Issue on Right Middle Finger
After several worrying reports about a possible arm injury, the Cubs confirmed that Cabrera was dealing with a blister on his pitching hand.
That news significantly lowered the level of concern around the situation. Blisters can still affect a pitcher’s grip and command, but they are usually considered far less serious than elbow or shoulder injuries.
The Cubs are expected to monitor Cabrera closely over the next few days before deciding whether he will make his next scheduled start.
With an off-day coming Thursday, there is optimism that the extra rest could help him recover quickly.
Cubs Rotation Already Dealing With Injury Problems
The timing of Cabrera’s injury scare could not have been worse for Chicago.
The Cubs are already missing several important pitchers, and another major injury would have created a huge problem for the rotation.
Injured Cubs Pitchers
| Pitcher | Injury Situation |
|---|---|
| Cade Horton | Out for remainder of 2026 season |
| Justin Steele | Expected back after All-Star break |
| Matthew Boyd | Out for several weeks |
| Edward Cabrera | Day-to-day with blister |
Because of those absences, Cabrera has become one of the key arms holding the rotation together. That is why his sudden exit immediately created panic among Cubs fans and analysts.
Tough Week Continues for the Cubs
Cabrera’s injury scare was only part of a difficult night for Chicago.
The Brewers continued to dominate the series, putting the Cubs in danger of being swept despite Chicago entering the matchup in first place in the National League Central standings.
The game also featured a costly defensive mistake by Pete Crow-Armstrong that led to a chaotic little league-style home run for Milwaukee. The play quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the night.
The Cubs have now started facing larger questions about consistency, pitching depth, and whether the team can hold off division rivals over the long season.
Could Edward Cabrera Miss His Next Start?
At the moment, there is no confirmation that Cabrera will miss time.
Since the issue was identified as a blister rather than a structural injury, there is still a realistic chance he could make his next scheduled outing. Much will depend on how the finger responds over the next several days.
Read more: David Hamilton Inside-the-Park Home Run Sparks Brewers as Cubs Errors Prove Costly at Wrigley Field
Pitchers often deal carefully with blister problems because they directly affect grip, spin, and pitch control. Even a small irritation can become worse if not properly treated.
The Cubs medical staff will likely evaluate:
- Grip strength
- Finger irritation
- Throwing comfort
- Skin recovery
- Pitch command during bullpen sessions
If symptoms improve quickly, Cabrera may avoid the injured list entirely.
Craig Counsell and Cubs Staff Under Pressure
The Cubs entered the season with playoff expectations, but injuries have placed heavy pressure on the coaching staff and bullpen management.
Craig Counsell has already been forced to adjust the rotation multiple times due to injuries. Losing another starter for an extended period would have made things even more difficult.
That is why the blister diagnosis felt like the best possible outcome after the frightening scene on the mound. Still, Chicago’s pitching depth remains a growing concern as the season moves deeper into summer.
The Cubs now head into an off-day hoping Cabrera’s finger improves quickly before the next series.If he is healthy enough to avoid missing starts, Chicago may escape this situation without major damage. But if the blister worsens, the Cubs could be forced to make another temporary rotation adjustment.
With the Brewers gaining momentum and the division race becoming tighter, every injury now carries extra importance for Chicago.
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