Cubs Officially Release Pitcher, Possible Backup Catcher Hits The Open Market

It’s been a busy news day for the Cubs, as Willson Contreras was diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring strain. He’s expected to be out for about four weeks. Closer Craig Kimbrel was placed on the injured list with knee inflammation, but it sounds like the team is hopeful that he’ll only be out for 10 days.

On Monday, the Cubs also released right-hander Brad Brach. He was DFA’d on Saturday, when Cole Hamels returned from the injured list. After clearing waivers, Brach was granted his release.

It was a rocky start for Brach, beginning his tenure with an illness that apparently cost him some guaranteed money when taking his physical prior to officially signing with the Cubs. He had a crazy high walk rate and despite the free passes going down after April, Brach just wasn’t getting the results.

Brach’s release wasn’t the only noteworthy move on Monday related to the Cubs, as the Angels also officially released catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Right now Taylor Davis is the backup catcher to Victor Caratini, who will get most of the starts behind the plate until Contreras returns.

Lucroy is a two-time All-Star, with a career .754 OPS. However, it’s been three years since he’s really be an above average hitter. From 2017-19, Lucroy’s posted a 81, 70 and 84 wRC+.

There’s also the issue of health. Lucroy went on the injured list after July 7, when he suffered a broken nose and concussion following this nasty collision at home plate against the Astros.

He returned on July 31, but was then DFA’d a few days late before getting released today.

Right now Taylor Davis is the Cubs backup catcher with Contreras on the injured list. He knows the pitching staff well, but there’s really nothing to expect out of him on offense. He’d only get one or two starts at most per week, but it can’t hurt to add more depth.

So, expect the Cubs to be in on Lucroy.