Hughes, 29, was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks at the end of the season after forging an 8.15 ERA for Arizona in 2024. The 29-year-old left-hander will likely be a candidate for one of the final spots in the Chicago bullpen, but he’ll have to pitch well in the Cactus League to earn a spot.

Because he gave up eight homers, Hughes had an 8.15 ERA in 17 2/3 innings for Arizona last season. He was far more successful in a tough environment at Triple-A Reno, posting a 2.03 ERA in 48 2/3 innings. He’ll compete for a spot in some team’s pen next spring.

Hughes is added back to the MLB roster for the second time, and to say he wasn’t effective his last go round with the D-Backs is quite the understatement as seen in a 10.29 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in 14 innings. He’ll be low-leverage depth, and he takes the roster spot of Ryne Nelson.

The procedural move opened up a spot on Arizona’s 40-man roster ahead of Friday’s contest against the Pirates. The 28-year-old lefty hasn’t made an appearance for the Diamondbacks since late June.