The Cubs activated Leiter (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following Leiter's live batting practice session Saturday, manager Craig Counsell said he would be activated during the Cubs' upcoming series at Baltimore. The right-hander was on the injured list due to a right forearm strain and is now set to make his return after landing on the IL on June 23. In a corresponding move, Ethan Roberts was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Leiter (forearm) threw a live batting practice Saturday, and manager Craig Counsell said that the right-hander will be activated from the 15-day IL during the Cubs' upcoming road series against the Orioles, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter landed on the injured list June 23 due to a right forearm strain. The 33-year-old won't require a rehab assignment, and he could available out of the Cubs' bullpen as soon as Tuesday in Baltimore. Leiter has a 5.34 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 28.2 innings this season.

Leiter (forearm) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter is tracking toward a live batting practice session later this week and a return to the Cubs' bullpen next week. The reliever is eligible for activation on June 9 and it sounds like he could be back by then without a rehab assignment.

Leiter (forearm) began a throwing program Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Craig Counsell said Leiter is slated to throw again Saturday. It's unclear whether Leiter has been throwing off flat ground or a mound, but it certainly is a positive sign that the 33-year-old was able to start a throwing program just five days after landing on the IL with a strain in his right (throwing) forearm. He'll still most likely remain on the injured list for more than a minimum-length stay, but a return before the All-Star break hasn't been ruled out yet.

Leiter was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain Sunday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter last appeared in a game Wednesday versus the Giants, surrendering three runs on a hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He'll now likely be sidelined longer than the minimum stay on the injured list considering it's an injury to his throwing arm. In the meantime, Luke Little was called up from Triple-A Iowa to replace Leiter in the major-league bullpen Sunday.

Leiter (2-4) allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while retiring just two batters to take the loss Thursday against the Rays. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Chicago starter Justin Steele tossed six scoreless innings but his effort was quickly wasted by Leiter, who couldn't get out of the seventh. The righty has allowed runs in each of his last two relief appearances, which has pushed his ERA up from 3.20 to 4.44. Leiter had a sub-4.00 ERA each of the last two seasons for the Cubs, so while he's struggled some lately, his track record suggests that better days will be ahead. He will also likely stick in a high-leverage role as he attempts to get back on track.

Leiter (2-3) tossed a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout to earn the win Saturday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter pitched a clean top of the eighth inning in a 5-5 tie, then moved into position for the win when the Cubs scored twice in the bottom half of the frame. The righty surpassed last season's win total in the process, and he's been about equally effective in the ERA department, as he's sitting with a 3.52 mark so far this year compared to 3.50 in 2023. Leiter is missing more bats, however, as his K/9 is up to 12.1 from 10.8 last season. His FIP is also down to 2.05 from 3.76 last season, suggesting his current ERA may trend downward.

Leiter (1-1) retired the only two batters he faced out of the bullpen to earn the win in Monday's 3-1 victory over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Jameson Taillon was excellent over 7.1 innings, but the Cubs turned to Leiter to get the last two outs of the eighth. The veteran righty delivered, then scooped up his first win of the year when Christopher Morel hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth. Leiter has been excellent all year, posting a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 13 innings. He should continue to work in a setup role ahead of new closer Hector Neris, though he could be next up for saves if Neris falters.

Leiter should be one of the Cubs' top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the club's closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay blew his fourth save of the season in Saturday's doubleheader against Miami, and Counsell has apparently seen enough. Leiter has collected a hold in four straight appearances and has given up just two unearned runs across 10.2 innings this season. Hector Neris earned the save in Game 2 on Saturday and is likely the top candidate for saves, but Counsell hasn't officially named a new closer.

Leiter tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to record a hold in Saturday's 4-1 win against Seattle. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter came on in relief of starter Shota Imanaga in the sixth inning, then helped take the team into the seventh. The righty has been excellent so far with a 0.00 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 10 strikeouts across eight innings. Leiter was a trusted member of the bullpen a season ago with 28 holds, four saves and a 3.50 ERA across 69 appearances, and it looks like he'll have a similar role in 2024.