The Chicago Cubs have recalled newly acquired left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett from Triple-A Iowa and have optioned Tyler Ferguson.

The Cubs acquired Garrett from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3 and he has logged a 2.90 ERA across 16 games at Triple-A this season and remains under club control through the 2028 season. 

In exchange the Marlins received first baseman/infielder Jonathon Long and right-handed pitcher Jace Beck. While giving up Long was a risky move for the Cubs as he's a young hitter with upside, the Cubs needed to address their pitching depth. 

The southpaw will now get his opportunity after struggling across two games with the Marlins this season, sporting an 0-1 record and a 14.54 ERA. 

Garrett Braxton's recall provides immediate left-handed pitching depth for Cubs

Braxton has joined the Cubs ahead of a makeup game at Wrigley field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday and will provide left-handed pitching depth out of the bullpen. 

While Braxton is a starter, his immediate role will consist of being a long-reliever. The move comes as a surprise as Cubs fans were not expecting him to see him at the major-league level so soon. 

In Braxton's breakout season in 2023 he boasted a stellar 4.4% walk rate and 3.66 ERA.

In terms of his arsenal, his changeup is one of his most underrated pitches that held a 32.7% whiff rate in 2023. Despite his recent struggles he holds significant value for the Cubs and if he can return to his dominant form he will silence the critics who have been opposed to the deal.