To clear room on the roster, the Cubs designated veteran right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly for assignment. Just six months ago, the Cubs acquired Pressly from the Astros as an option at closer. He held that role through early May before being demoted to earlier innings. Pressly recorded five saves and a 4.35 ERA in 44 appearances.

When the smoke cleared on the Trade Deadline on Thursday, the Cubs had accomplished a few of their stated goals ahead of a crucial two-month push for the division crown. Between four trades in a 24-hour span,