Dodgers Claim Lefty Charlie Barnes Off Waivers From Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team placed Tommy Edman on the 60-day injured list. Barnes, 30, had been designated for assignment by the Cubs earlier in the week.

Barnes made one major league appearance this season on April 11 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He worked three innings in a 12-5 loss, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out two. It was his first MLB outing since 2019 with the Minnesota Twins.

Before joining the Cubs, Barnes spent three seasons with the Lotte Giants in the Korea Baseball Organization. From 2022 to 2024, he posted a 3.05 ERA over 25 starts. However, his 2025 season was less successful, as he made just eight starts with a 5.32 ERA, his highest walk rate and lowest strikeout rate in the KBO.

Barnes entered the majors with the Twins in 2021, making 20 appearances with a 6.75 ERA. He used a sinker-heavy approach then, but his pitch mix has evolved. In his recent outing, Barnes relied heavily on his fastball, throwing it over 40% of the time. He also incorporated a sinker, changeup, slider, and a new sweeper.

The move to the 60-day IL for Edman is not unexpected. The shortstop is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and has yet to return to game action. He faced live pitching for the first time in early April during a simulated game against teammate Blake Snell. Manager Dave Roberts has said the club is not anticipating Edman’s return before late May.

With Barnes now on the roster, the Dodgers gain a left-handed depth option. His KBO experience and recent MLB performance offer a potential late-inning or spot-start role. The Cubs lose a player who had yet to establish himself in the majors but showed promise in Korea.

The Dodgers now have a clearer path to finalize their bench and bullpen. With the trade deadline still months away, they can continue to evaluate Barnes’ fit as the season progresses. The next step for Barnes is to show he can contribute consistently in the majors. The Dodgers will need to decide whether to use him in relief or as a long man in the rotation.