In a crafty series of roster moves, the Cubs have managed not to expose Dave Sappelt to waivers, while simultaneously added Ryan Sweeney to the 40-man roster, even though Kyuji Fujikawa isn’t yet ready to return.
Confused?
To explain: The Cubs planned to call up outfielder Ryan Sweeney today, ostensibly to replace Dave Sappelt on the 25-man roster. The problem? Sweeney also needed a 40-man spot, and the 40-man was full. So, the Cubs could DFA and waive Sappelt in the hopes he would clear, so they could keep him. Or they could DFA someone like Kameron Loe, while simultaneously optioning Sappelt to Iowa (rather than derostering him). The problem there is that the Cubs still need another reliever. Well, it just so happens that rehabbing righty Kyuji Fujikawa is just about ready to return. Perfect fit, eh?
Well, almost. Fujikawa still needs at least one more minor league appearance. So how do the Cubs make the other moves happen today? Easy. Call up Rafael Dolis for a few days (he’s freely optionable right now), and send him back down when Fujikawa is ready. Then you DFA Loe, option Sappelt, and call up Sweeney.
Nicely done.
The Cubs now have ten days to waive, trade or release Loe. They may look to waive him and stash him at AAA in case of emergency.