That was fast.
Just a little bit after rumors of the Rangers scouting the Cubs’ infielders surfaced – including Donnie Murphy – the two sides put together a deal involving Murphy, according to Jerry Crasnick. Carrie Muskat says Murphy was claimed off of waivers, which doesn’t necessarily mean the Cubs didn’t receive anything for Murphy … but it’s possible.
Either way, don’t expect the return here to be significant. The Cubs will save $825,000 in salary owed to Murphy, which isn’t nothing, considering that he can be replaced internally.
Murphy’s departure has a variety of roster implications. His 40-man roster spot could go to someone like Ryan Kalish or Ryan Roberts. Further, the Cubs probably don’t let Murphy go unless they’re pretty confident that Mike Olt is going to make the team.
Your guess on the five bench spots now looks something like: George Kottaras, Justin Ruggiano, Emilio Bonifacio, Mike Olt (or Luis Valbuena, depending on whom you call the starter), and one of Ryan Roberts or Ryan Kalish.
UPDATE: See the subsequent George Kottaras transaction for more roster-related implications here.