\n<\/p>\n
Left-hander Drew Pomeranz<\/b> was on the brink of making his long-awaited return to the majors 11 months ago. Signed by the Giants for what he said he knew was only going to be a four-day stint, Pomeranz was warm in the bullpen and ready for the call.<\/p>\n
Then Patrick Bailey<\/b> hit an eighth-inning grand slam to put the Giants ahead by a run, changing the bullpen plan in one swing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m like, \u2018That\u2019s probably my shot,\u2019\u201d Pomeranz said Wednesday. \u201cSo I was definitely visualizing [returning to the mound] then, but I\u2019ve definitely thought about this moment, getting to pitch again.\u201d<\/p>\n
After trading for Pomeranz<\/a> on Monday, the Cubs<\/a> added him to the major-league roster Wednesday. In corresponding moves, they transferred lefty Justin Steele<\/b> (elbow surgery) from the 15-day IL to the 60-day and optioned right-hander Gavin Hollowell<\/b> to Triple-A.<\/p>\n The Cubs also addressed their third base mix, designating Gage Workman<\/b> for assignment and signing Nicky Lopez<\/b> to a one-year deal.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty awesome,\u201d Pomeranz said of the opportunity. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s almost like the first time all over again; it\u2019s been a long time.<\/p>\n Pomeranz hadn\u2019t played in a major-league game since August of 2021, when flexor tendon surgery ended his season. Then in 2023, he underwent what the Padres called an elbow cleanup surgery.<\/p>\n On a minor-league deal with the Mariners this season, the 36-year-old has allowed one run in his last five Triple-A appearances.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been on a search for left-handed depth and continue adding to that group,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cAnd we think Drew is headed in the right direction. And that\u2019s what we made the acquisition on, is that we think he\u2019s really heading in the right direction with his stuff. His velocity is on a good trajectory right now, and when he\u2019s had the better fastball velocities, he\u2019s had success in this league.\u201d<\/p>\n Counsell had a front row seat to Pomeranz\u2019 2019 bounce-back in velocity. With the Brewers in the second half of that season, managed by Counsell, Pomeranz posted a 2.39 ERA.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s quite a while ago,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cBut familiar with the player, familiar with the person. I think familiar with when he\u2019s good, what he\u2019s going to be doing.\u201d<\/p>\nHollowell leaves impression<\/h3>\n