Ryan Brasier DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier (groin) tossed a shutout inning with Triple-A Iowa in a minor-league rehab appearance on Saturday in his fifth rehab outing, including back-to-back appearances in his most recent games, according to MLB.com. Brasier began his rehab assignment with Iowa on May 7 and should be getting close to being activated from the 10-day injured list. The 37-year-old veteran appeared in the team's March 18 season-opening series in Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers but then landed on the IL before the domestic home opener at the end of March with a strained left groin. Barring a setback with his balky groin, he should be able to return to the Cubs' bullpen by late May or early June. Given Chicago's shaky 'pen this year, there's a chance Brasier could work his way into a high-leverage relief role when he's back.

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier (groin) is scheduled to start his minor-league rehab outing with an appearance for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday night. Brasier allowed one run in his lone inning of work in Tokyo, Japan, against the Los Angeles Dodgers to kick off the 2025 regular season, but he hasn't pitched since due to a strained left groin. The 37-year-old veteran is now ready to resume pitching in games, though, so he should be able to return to Chicago's less-than-stellar bullpen by mid-May. Brasier missed time due to a calf injury last year but was mostly solid when he was on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 29 outings (four starts), posting a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and only five walks in 28 innings. Because he's not a big strikeout guy, he's unlikely to become a closing option for the Cubs later this season.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, per sources. The Dodgers designated the 37-year-old veteran for assignment last week after they recently signed relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. It's a nice pickup for the Cubs, who also recently acquired reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. Brasier may not be the favorite for saves in Chicago, but he should at least handle high-leverage setup innings, making him a sleeper for holds in fantasy leagues. In 29 appearances (four starts) for the Dodgers last year, Brasier held a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 25 K's and five walks in 28 innings. He missed significant time with a calf injury. Brasier has never been a big strikeout guy (career 8.9 K/9), so his fantasy upside won't be significant.