Keegan

Thompson

All three players might have been non-tendered if they hadn’t agreed to terms today. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers said Merryweather will make $1.225 million next season. Thompson and Thaiss were both due something similar.

Thompson hurt his push off leg while making a pitch, and though it seemed innocent enough at first, he had quite a bit of trouble making his way off the field and through the dugout. Thompson walked the only batter he faced before departing.

To get a sense of the calamity that is the Cubs current bullpen, Thompson entered this game for Drew Smyly, who was put on waivers earlier this week, who relieved Tyson Miller after allowing three runs and turning this into a save situation. Back from injury and the most effective option, there’s a good chance Thompson is called upon for the Cubs’ next save opportunity.

No one in the history of civilization has made the trip from Iowa to Chicago more often than Thompson. He’ll be back with the Cubs to provide some bullpen help with Julian Merryweather on the shelf with knee tendinitis.

Thompson will remain stationed at Triple-A Iowa for now, but is an option to help augment Chicago’s relief mix moving forward after missing a couple weeks with a right rib fracture.

It’s unclear exactly when the injury occurred, but the last time that the 29-year-old hurler took the hill he worked a perfect inning against the Giants on Wednesday. No word yet on how long the Cubs expect him to be sidelined for. Ethan Roberts was recalled from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move on Friday to take his spot in the Cubs’ bullpen.

Thompson returns to Chicago’s high-leverage relief mix ahead of Saturday’s contest against the Mets at Wrigley Field following a brief stint away from the club on paternity leave. The 29-year-old righty picked up his first save of the season earlier this week and figures to continue to vulture the occasional save chance from veteran Héctor Neris moving forward.

Thompson, who picked up a surprising save Wednesday in just his second appearance back in the majors, will rejoin the Cubs in a couple of days.

Thompson got the call to protect a three-run lead in the final frame with Héctor Neris and Mark Leiter Jr. seemingly unavailable after both throwing over 20 pitches the previous day. It’s a completely murky situation in Chicago at the moment, but it’s possible Thompson will work his way into the mix for saves moving forward, especially if Neris continues to struggle.

Thompson posted a serviceable 4.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 19/6 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings (nine appearances) earlier this season for the Cubs. The 29-year-old righty provides Chicago’s bullpen with some extra long relief depth moving forward.