Staring down a second consecutive doubleheader, the Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Tom Cosgrove from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and optioned fellow southpaw Luke Little back to the minors. The last-minute shuffle aims to keep fresh arms available as Chicago prepares for another twin-bill grind.
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Cubs recall LHP Tom Cosgrove ahead of doubleheader
Photo by Henryherald
Key Takeaways:
- Cubs recalled left-hander Tom Cosgrove from Triple-A Iowa.
- Fellow lefty Luke Little was optioned to Triple-A the same day.
- The moves came Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
- Chicago is preparing for its second straight doubleheader.
- Both pitchers offer left-handed depth for the Cubs’ bullpen.
Roster Move Ahead of a Long Day
With another twin bill looming, the Chicago Cubs dipped into their farm system Tuesday, promoting left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove from Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, the club optioned left-hander Luke Little back to Iowa, keeping the bullpen’s left-handed balance intact while swapping fresh innings for fatigued ones.
“Ahead of an attempt to play a doubleheader for the second consecutive day, the Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Tom Cosgrove from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and optioned left-hander Luke Little to Triple-A,” the team announced.
Why the Switch Matters
The recall underscores the strain that back-to-back doubleheaders place on any pitching staff. Fresh arms can be the thin line between surviving 18 innings and burning through the bullpen before the calendar flips. By exchanging Little for Cosgrove, Chicago ensures a rested southpaw is available for situational matchups across both contests.
Transaction at a Glance
| Move | Player | Hand | From | To | Date |
|——|——–|——|——|—-|——|
| Recall | Tom Cosgrove | LHP | Triple-A Iowa | Chicago Cubs | Aug. 19, 2025 |
| Option | Luke Little | LHP | Chicago Cubs | Triple-A Iowa | Aug. 19, 2025 |
Second Straight Twin Bill
Tuesday’s schedule marks the Cubs’ second consecutive attempt at a doubleheader, an uncommon challenge that tests roster depth and adaptability. While no further details were disclosed, the timing of the transaction signals the organization’s effort to stay nimble under a compressed slate.
Looking Ahead
How long Cosgrove remains with the big-league club—or when Little might return—will hinge on how the Cubs navigate these two games and the bullpen workload that follows. For now, Chicago’s immediate focus is simple: get through another long day of baseball with enough pitching left for tomorrow.
