Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera adds to rotation's domination

Edward Cabrera, who grew up in the mountain town of Santiago in the Dominican Republic and still lives there, turns 28 on Monday. Maybe by then he’ll have given up a run.

Cabrera, who came to the Cubs from the Marlins in a trade that cost the team top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, makes his third start of the season on Saturday afternoon against the Pirates in Wrigley Field.

In his first two starts, Cabrera, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 217 pounds, has been a monster. He has thrown 11 2/3 scoreless innings combined against the Angels and Guardians. The Angels managed one hit in six innings, a single, in Wrigley Field. The Guardians, despite stacking their lineup with eight left-handed hitters, also managed just one hit, a double by CJ Kayfus.

In two starts, he has induced 23 swings and misses, his curveball, slider and changeup regularly drawing air.

So far, the Cubs’ starting rotation, though reeling from the loss of Cade Horton for the season, has dominated opponents. After Shota Imanaga held the Pirates hitless in six innings Friday, Cubs starters have held opposing hitters to 35 hits, the fewest allowed by any starting staff.

Yes, Cabrera said that when the team was in Florida earlier this week, he missed the warmth. But beyond that, he said through translator Freddy Quevedo (“The best,’’ Cabrera said), he is becoming acclimated to his new team.

“I thought it was going to be more difficult to feel comfortable,’’ said Cabrera, who had been in the Marlins’ system since signing as a 17-year-old in 2015. “But really, the trust of myself by my teammates has made it that much easier.’’

Cabrera missed the start of the previous two seasons because of injury, a right shoulder impingement in 2024 and a blister on his middle finger last season, so he welcomed the chance to be in the Cubs’ rotation from the outset. He said a coach asked him how many innings he would like to pitch this season. He answered 200, but believes 180 innings to be a more reasonable target.

The Cubs would be ecstatic, especially given the loss of Horton, who is due to undergo ulnar collateral ligament surgery soon.

Roster moves

The Cubs made a series of roster moves, in part to create a roster spot for outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who singled and walked in four trips Friday and handled two chances in right field. Outfielder Dylan Carlson was designated for assignment, making room for Suzuki. Reliever Nick Maton, who has tendinitis in his right knee which is inhibiting his ability to push off the mound, has been placed on the 10-day injured list but is expected to continue throwing, manager Craig Counsell said. To take Matlin’s place in the Cubs’ bullpen, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Ethan Roberts, who retired all four batters he faced in Friday’s 2-0 loss.

Taking it easy with Suzuki

Counsell said he intends to give Suzuki some days off as he works back into the lineup. Suzuki, who sprained his right knee while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, missed the season’s first 12 games before batting fifth and playing right field on Friday. He hit into a fielder’s choice, singled, struck out and walked in his return.

“I’m very happy to be back,’’ Suzuki said.

Suzuki spent a few days in Double-A Knoxville on a rehab assignment before being activated Friday. The most memorable part of his stay there?

“The brisket,’’ said Suzuki, who said he treated his teammates to at least one postgame spread.