According to multiple reports (still waiting on the official release from the Cubs – but, hey, nowadays, you wait, you get burned), the Cubs today sent outfielder Fernando Perez to AAA Iowa, and reassigned utility men Scott Moore, Bobby Scales, Augie Ojeda and Matt Camp to minor league camp.
The obvious implications, none of which were not expected:
(1) Reed Johnson will make the 25-man roster as the fifth outfielder. Should he stumble, Perez will be waiting.
(2) Blake DeWitt will make the 25-man roster. His role remains undetermined.
(3) Darwin Barney will make the 25-man roster. His role remains undetermined, but, at a minimum, will include being the primary backup at shortstop.
One other noteworthy piece: all three prospective backup catchers – Koyie Hill, Welington Castillo, and Max Ramirez – remain in camp. But calm yourself: Ramirez is not expected to win the job, however, after a recent wrist MRI, and the Cubs are expected to prefer Castillo getting regular starts at AAA Iowa.