Cubs latest pitching moves: Civale in; Maton, Pomeranz out

The Cubs announced a flurry of roster moves before Monday's game. Jameson Taillon was activated from the injured list to start against Detroit.

In addition, Aaron Civale, recently acquired in a trade from the Athletics, joined the active roster. Left-hander Drew Pomeranz was designated for assignment, while reliever Phil Maton went back to the injured list with right knee tendinitis.

This was Taillon's first start since June 7. He's been out with a left hamstring strain.

Civale, 31, has been well-traveled the past few years. Last season he started in Milwaukee, was traded to the White Sox for Andrew Vaughn, then claimed off waivers by the Cubs on Aug. 31. He posted a 2.08 ERA in five appearances for the Cubs, and threw 4 scoreless innings in the division series against the Brewers.

This year, the right-hander had a 5.42 ERA in 15 starts for the Athletics. He's not likely to start for the Cubs this time around unless there's an injury.

This is Maton's third trip to the injured list with the same knee issue. He was activated just before the all-star break, then pitched an inning Sunday against Minnesota for his only appearance while active.

“I think we were all optimistic that some rest, the all-star break — he thought, we thought we were in a pretty good place,” manager Craig Counsell said Monday. “Symptoms again yesterday, did an MRI because of the symptoms, and the news is not great. Going to get some more opinions and see what that means. We're looking at a little bit more extended absence here.”

Counsell didn't want to comment on the possibility of surgery, but tendinitis isn't something that's easily fixed in that manner.

Maton was supposed to be the big addition to the Cubs bullpen, signing a deal worth $14.5 million guaranteed for two years, with an option. His ERA this season is 6.18, worst of his career.

Champions chain

The reunion of the Cubs' 2016 World Series champs grabbed the spotlight last weekend. What about Craig Counsell's two titles? Has he been to a reunion with the '97 Marlins or '01 Diamondbacks?

“I did an awkward one in Miami where I was wearing a Brewer uniform and standing in the Marlins dugout,” Counsell said. “Before a game. That was really awkward. It didn't feel right.”

Clearly, those '16 Cubs who made it back this week seemed to have a great time. John Lackey's wife Tina posted happy photos on social media and asked if the Cubs can schedule future reunions every two years.

“If you win a World Series with 25 guys, you're close to them forever,” Counsell said. “That's the reward. That's the best part of it. They're your brothers.

“I'm on a text chain with those teams still. It's 25 years later, you keep in touch with those guys. That's how it works. That's what's great about it.”

Second farewell

The Cubs took a chance on Drew Pomeranz, coming off a long layoff, last year and it paid off. The second try didn't go nearly as well and it was no surprise he was designated for assignment Monday. The lefty was released by the Angels earlier this year.

“It's pretty clear Hoby (Milner) is going to be back here and with a lot of games (coming up), we didn't feel like Drew was going to be an answer long-term,” Counsell said. “So that kind of led to the move. Drew and I have had some fun times together. It didn't work out this time, but certainly last year and a couple times before that (in Milwaukee), it really has and I wish him the best.”