Keegan

Thompson

Thompson figures to elect free agency in search of a new opportunity after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 30-year-old righty was designated for assignment last week to free up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster for top prospect Matt Shaw. He’ll be the answer to a trivia question someday in the Windy City if Shaw goes on to become a franchise cornerstone.

Thompson has been jettisoned from Chicago’s 40-man roster ahead of the club’s season-opening Tokyo Series against the Dodgers to make room for top prospect Matt Shaw. The 30-year-old righty will open the year back at Triple-A Iowa, if he clears waivers.

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.