NEWSLETTER
Today, following his release from the hospital, the Chicago Cubs placed center fielder Marlon Byrd on the 15-day disabled list and recalled pitcher Justin Berg from AAA Iowa.
Byrd, who was hit in the face last night with a pitch, suffered multiple facial fractures and a deep gash on his left cheek. He’ll head back to Chicago with the team tonight, and is expected to see team doctor’s this week.
So, while there still isn’t word on how long Byrd will be out, for now, the Cubs will go with a combination of Reed Johnson and Tony Campana in center field, and will eventually bring up another positional player. Tyler Colvin, who was sent down last week to get regular starts, probably will not be the guy because (1) players typically can’t come back up until 10 days after they were sent down (though there is an exception for injuries, but the recalled player must replace the injured player – won’t happen here), and (2) the circumstances surrounding his demotion are largely the same (i.e., he’s still behind three other outfielders, at least). I’d also not expect the Cubs to call up top prospect Brett Jackson – a center fielder – unless they expect Byrd to be out for a significant period of time.
Fernando Perez is the only other outfielder on the 40-man who isn’t on the active roster, so he’s probably the guy. Lou Montanez is another option, though he’d have to be added to the 40-man. The Cubs could also go with a utility type like Bobby Scales.
As for Berg, he’s been shuffled up and down already a couple times this year, and he’ll serve as depth in the bullpen while Matt Garza is out. He or Scott Maine is likely the guy out when the Cubs bring up a positional player later this week. For now, the Cubs go with 13 pitchers and just 12 positional players.
