Ethan Roberts Looks Ready for MLB Return, Cubs Would Need to Clear Roster Space

AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastEthan Roberts was the feel-good story of spring training in 2022 when he broke camp with the big club after a strong performance in Mesa. That didn’t carry over into the regular season, however, as Roberts struggled with his control and was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation after 7.2 innings across nine appearances. He was placed on the 60-day IL in late May to clear a roster spot, then was sent to Iowa for a rehab assignment on June 19.

Roberts made just three pitches in the game before exiting with the trainer in obvious discomfort with what was soon diagnosed as a torn UCL. Tommy John surgery cost him all of 2023, after which the Cubs…