The Chicago Cubs enter the final month of the regular season with a 3.5 game lead in the division and today they announced some moves as rosters have expanded.
Obviously the biggest news is that the long awaited return of Kris Bryant. He is back in the lineup, batting fifth against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
Welcome back, KB! #EverybodyIn
Stream on @YouTubeTV: https://t.co/t4XvcdoeJc pic.twitter.com/8KOsmZ8ou5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 1, 2018
Bryant last played on July 23, and has spent two stints on the disabled list with his shoulder injury. The 2016 MVP has only played in 76 games this season, with 28 remaining. Anyway, a huge boost for the Cubs.
Addison Russell is also returning from the DL, but he won’t be back in a starting role, at least not right away. Russell has been dealing with a knuckle injury and Joe Maddon said the shortstop will be used primarily as a defensive replacement.
Russell will likely be used as defensive replacement late in games. #Cubs https://t.co/4TAfZl1uGj
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 31, 2018
After a solid start to the year, Russell has been struggling at the plate and his power has completely been sapped. Russell has not hit a home run since June.
Obviously the emergence of Javier Baez as an MVP candidate and David Bote coming out of nowhere, coupled with the acquisition of Daniel Murphy all factor into Russell having a lessor role right now.
So, Bryant and Russell are the two biggest names, but there are still a few more moves that were made.
Going back to Friday, Jason Heyward was placed on the DL with a hamstring injury and Dillon Maples was called up.
#Cubs place Heyward on 10-day DL with right hamstring tightness. Dillon Maples recalled from Iowa
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 31, 2018
Maples has been a fascinating prospect to follow and he’s briefly been up before. Back in 2017, the righty pitched in six games and struck out 11 batters. Yet, he also walked six batters in 5.1 innings and gave up six earned runs. He’s appeared in three games for the Cubs this season, striking out six, but again walking three in 3.1 innings. Overall in the minors this year, Maples has 75 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. If he can get any constant control he could be a weapon for the Cubs in the future.
Other moves made today were the additions of outfielder Terrance Gore, catcher Taylor Davis and righty James Norwood to the big league roster.
The Cubs Sept. 1 moves include activating Kris Bryant and Addison Russell from the disabled list while purchasing the contracts of Triple-A outfielder Terrance Gore and catcher Taylor Davis. Righty James Norwood was recalled as well from Triple-A. To… https://t.co/7V4HyD0fLO
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 1, 2018
You’ll see plenty of Gore when the Cubs need a pinch runner during the next 28 games. Although he doesn’t have a hit in MLB yet, he’s stolen 21 bases in 49 career games and 293 during his minor-league career.
Gore has 314 career steals as a pro but just 14 plate appearances in the big leagues. 21 steals this season in the minors.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 1, 2018
In order to make room, two pitchers were DFA’d, Luke Farrell and Rob Zastryzny.
Rob Z and Luke Farrell are set to be free agents so that played a part into them being DFA now to make room for others.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 1, 2018
Recently acquired veteran catcher, Bobby Wilson, is also with the team, but he won’t be available until Tuesday, when his DL stint ends.
Bobby Wilson is here but not eligible until Tue. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 1, 2018
The Cubs also signed Jaime Garcia. He’ll be in Iowa.
Jaime Garcia did sign a Minor League contract with #Cubs and is with Iowa
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 1, 2018
So, those are the moves that have been made now and the Cubs are still optimistic about having Brandon Morrow back in a couple weeks and there’s also a chance that Drew Smyly joins the team later in September too. Smyly is with South Bend on a rehab assignment, as he’s coming back from Tommy John surgery.
