The Cubs made a last-minute trade on Wednesday, acquiring Nick Castellanos from the Tigers for a pair of pitching prospects. The big question since has been who would be the odd man out on the 25-man roster. After Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over the Cardinals, Joe Maddon gave everyone the answer.
Well, the Cinderella story that was Robel Garcia will be put on hold at least for now, as he’ll be headed back to Triple-A to make room for Castellanos.
Garcia was called up in early July and gave the Cubs a quick shot in the arm. While he hit four home runs, two triples and two doubles in 19 games, Garcia also struck out 26 times in 59 at-bats, and was looking overmatched during the past week when he was given almost all the starts at second.
But expect Garcia to be back up, at least in September when rosters expand. It could come even sooner if David Bote continues to struggle.
Bote has been scuffling at the plate since mid-June and after showing some great work on defense in 2018, he’s been pretty inconsistent this year.
The newly acquired Tony Kemp will be getting most of his playing time at second base to begin his Cubs career.
So, starting on Thursday here is the new Cubs 25-man roster.
Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini
Anthony Rizzo, David Bote, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Tony Kemp
Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, Jason Heyward, Albert Almora Jr., Nick Castellanos
Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish, Jose Quintana
Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Kintzler, Steve Cishek, David Phelps, Rowan Wick, Brad Brach, Tyler Chatwood, Kyle Ryan, Derek Holland
But that will change soon as well, at least in the bullpen.
Left-handed starter Cole Hamels could be returning this weekend against the Brewers, so one of those relievers will be removed from the bullpen.
