The Cubs released Workman on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Workman went unclaimed off waivers after the Cubs designated for assignment last week, but rather than remaining in the organization and reporting to Triple-A Iowa, he'll seek work elsewhere. The 32-year-old boasts 219 games worth of big-league experience, but he'll likely be forced to settle for a minor-league deal in free agency, given his poor results over the past two seasons.

Workman was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Workman had been relatively strong early in the season, but he gave up six runs (four earned) in 1.2 innings across his last two appearances. As a result, the right-hander will be removed from the 40-man roster to make room for southpaw Justin Steele, who was recalled by the Cubs in a corresponding move.

Workman (0-2) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk across an inning of work to take the loss Monday against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Workman got the fifth inning in a 5-5 game and promptly put two runners on, then allowed a three-run home to Freddie Freeman. Workman has 10 strikeouts across 7.1 innings this season, but he's also allowed two home runs and five earned runs already. With Craig Kimbrel pitching well in the closer's role, Workman should stick in middle relief, which limits his fantasy appeal.

Workman was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Workman had been away from the team since he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday, but he'll be eligible to pitch in Saturday's matchup against Atlanta. The right-hander has posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 3.2 innings across four relief appearances to begin the year.

Workman was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs haven't specified whether Workman has contracted the virus himself or has merely been exposed to someone who did. He'll be eligible to return to the roster once he clears health and safety protocols.

Workman (0-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and struck out one over one inning to take the loss Wednesday versus the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Workman pitched the 10th inning, but he allowed a three-run homer to Lorenzo Cain. The Cubs couldn't cover the damage in the bottom half of the inning. The 32-year-old Workman hadn't allowed a run in his previous two outings. He's racked up three strikeouts, three hits, two walks and a hold over 2.2 innings this season. Workman will likely continue in setup role to closer Craig Kimbrel.

Workman pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts to record a hold in Saturday's win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Workman worked a clean and efficient seventh inning, needing just 10 pitches to retire the side in order. The righty figures to have a prominent role with the Cubs, and he should be able to rack up plenty of holds. He could also get a chance to save games if Craig Kimbrel struggles like he did the past few seasons.

Workman has not allowed a run across five Cactus League innings while striking out eight.

EDGE Analysis

Workman joined the Cubs on a one-year deal in mid-February and he's looked right at home so far. The righty reliever had a down 2020, posting a 5.95 ERA and 2.24 WHIP across 19.2 innings with the Red Sox and Phillies, but he was much better in 2019 (1.88 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 71.2 innings for Boston). Workman figures to slot into a setup role with Chicago, but he could end up getting save opportunities if Craig Kimbrel struggles.

Workman agreed Wednesday with the Cubs on a one-year, $1 million contract that includes an additional $2 million in incentives, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer hinted in a conference call Tuesday the team was looking to add another veteran piece to the bullpen, and the Cubs appear to have found their man in Workman. While Craig Kimbrel and Rowan Wick (intercostal) look to be first in line for save chances out of the bullpen, Workman should be one of the top closers in waiting among the Cubs' remaining relief options. The 32-year-old endured a tough 2020 season while splitting time between Boston and Philadelphia (5.95 ERA, 2.24 WHIP in 21 appearances), but he was one of baseball's most effective late-inning arms in 2019. While serving as Boston's closer for a portion of that season, Workman notched 16 saves and submitted a 1.88 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 104 strikeouts over 71.2 innings.

Workman (1-4) took the loss in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, recording one out in the eighth inning before serving up a walkoff two-run home run to Yadiel Hernandez.

EDGE Analysis

Hector Neris has been the Phillies' primary closer lately, but after he held the Nats scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, Workman got the call in the eighth and once again failed to get the job done. The right-hander has blown three of his eight save chances since coming over from the Red Sox and given up homers in three of his last four appearances. With the Phillies' playoff chances suddenly in freefall after being swept in Tuesday's twin bill, Workman may be kept far away from any leads the team does build over the final days of the season.