Cubs designate Adbert Alzolay for assignment

CHICAGO -- The Cubs have designated former closer Adbert Alzolay for assignment, the team announced Tuesday.

Alzolay, 29, underwent Tommy John surgery in August and won't be available to pitch until late in 2025. The veteran righty had 27 starts and saved 27 games for Chicago over six years with the team. He spent much of the past two seasons as their closer but faltered in 2024, losing his job and then getting injured.

Overall, Alzolay was 12-25 with a 4.04 ERA for the Cubs. His best year came in 2023, when he saved 22 games while compiling a 2.67 ERA over 64 innings. As recently as 2021, Alzolay was starting for Chicago, but he ended up being better suited to the bullpen.

In a corresponding roster move, the Cubs added Triple-A outfielder Owen Caissie and Double-A infielder Ben Cowles to the 40-man roster. In addition to Alzolay, outfielder Brennen Davis was also designated for assignment by Chicago.

The Cubs will be responsible for the cost of Alzolay's rehab unless he signs with another team.