Struggling Cubs reliever returns to the big leagues in most disastrous way possible

After back-to-back days giving up three-run homers, the Chicago Cubs had no choice but to designate Genesis Cabrera for assignment. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled right-hander Nate Pearson to the big leagues ahead of Sunday's series finale against Seattle.

Pearson started 2025 with the Cubs, but was demoted to Triple-A Iowa after just eight appearances. His start to the 2025 campaign could not gave gone much worse, allowing 10 runs on 13 hits while also walking seven in just 8 2/3 innings.

After spending time in the minors, Pearson looked to have turned a corner, putting forward an ERA of 2.22 in 24 1/3 innings. Baserunners were still an issue for him, giving up 17 hits to go with 15 walks, but 29 strikeouts were an encouraging sign he could make at least some contributions to a struggling Cubs pitching staff.

However, it looks like Nate Pearson forgot to make those adjustments

Pearson entered the eighth inning as the Cubs found themselves down by three runs in their series finale against the Seattle Mariners, looking to claw their way back to salvage the series win. Instead, the right-hander gave up five runs on five hits while walking two in a disastrous two innings.

The Cubs would fail to score after that, and catcher Reese McGuire would become the latest ejection victim for the team in the ninth inning, putting the finishing touches on an abysmal 14-6 loss.

Pearson presents an interesting case for the Cubs. Once a top prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cubs acquired him as a reclamation project last summer. He looked to have potentially turned a corner after the trade, working to a 2.73 ERA with a dramatically improved walk rate across 19 appearances with Chicago, but his body of work so far this season has been horrendous.

Baseball fans across the country have been waiting almost five years now for Pearson to reach his potential, and time is a luxury the Cubs will not have for much longer. With reliever Porter Hodge nearing a return from an oblique strain, Pearson could very well find himself on the chopping block once again.