The Chicago Cubs have made a roster move to bolster their bullpen, reinstating right-hander Ethan Roberts from the 15-day injured list just in time for their series in Arlington. Roberts, who has been sidelined since April 13 due to a cut on his right middle finger, is now ready to step back onto the mound and provide some fresh arms for the relief corps.

However, the news wasn't all positive for the Cubs on Friday. Manager Craig Counsell revealed that reliever Hunter Harvey has hit a roadblock in his recovery from right triceps inflammation, which has kept him out of action for the past month. During a bullpen session on Thursday, Harvey experienced similar symptoms that initially landed him on the IL. An MRI later showed a stress reaction in his upper triceps and shoulder, forcing a longer pause in his comeback.

“So that's a shutdown for the next four weeks,” Counsell explained, adding that Harvey will head to the team's Arizona facility to restart his recovery process. “We're going to have him stop and restart.”

To make room on the active roster for Roberts, the Cubs optioned right-hander Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa. Hollowell has been a reliable arm in the minors, but with Roberts ready to contribute, the team is shuffling its bullpen depth.

There was a silver lining on the injury front, though. Left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar, who has been out since April 24 with a left hamstring strain, threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. Counsell noted that Thielbar's session went well, and he's expected to throw another “touch-and-feel” session on Sunday. After that, the plan includes throwing a live batting practice session next week, followed by a rehab stint.

“Then, we should decide and be in pretty good shape at that point,” Counsell said optimistically.

For Cubs fans, this is a mixed bag of updates. While Roberts' return adds a fresh arm to the bullpen, Harvey's setback is a tough blow for a team looking to solidify its relief pitching down the stretch. Thielbar's progress, however, offers a glimmer of hope for the lefty specialist's return soon.