During the top of the fifth inning of the Chicago Cubs’ 9-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, relief pitcher Trent Thornton was removed from the game after allowing three consecutive baserunners.
Cubs reliever Jacob Webb also exited the same game early after a 102.5 mph line drive struck his forearm, though X-rays later confirmed no fracture.
Immediate Aftermath and Game Impact
Thornton entered the game in the top of the fourth inning with a man on third and two outs, striking out Luis Lara to end the threat. In the top of the fifth, he began the frame by striking out Christian Yelich but then walked Joey Ortiz and allowed singles to Cooper Pratt and Jackson Chourio before being pulled by manager Craig Counsell.
Upon returning to the dugout, Thornton visibly reacted to his removal, spiking his glove and shouting before the team’s next defensive inning. Webb, who had been pitching effectively this season, left the game after being hit by a comebacker in the forearm during an earlier appearance.
Team Performance and Standings Context
The Cubs’ bullpen, which has posted a 4.01 ERA this season, avoided further damage in the fifth inning when Ryan Rolison relieved Thornton and retired the next two hitters in order. The team ultimately fell to the Brewers 9-5, dropping the third game of a four-game series.
Chicago (78-62) remains in playoff contention, sitting one game back of the top Wild Card spot and holding a 4.5-game lead over the third Wild Card position. A loss for Webb could have significantly disrupted the team’s late-season push, given his 2.87 ERA and nine saves across 60 appearances.
Thornton, acquired by the Cubs this season, has a 3.40 ERA in 45 innings pitched with three saves in 44 games. Webb, a veteran reliever with postseason experience, has bounced between multiple teams before settling with Chicago for the 2026 season.
The Cubs will attempt to split the series against Milwaukee on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET.