According to multiple reports, lefty Chris Rusin is on his way from Iowa to help the Chicago Cubs in the bullpen tonight – after a marathon game and a short start yesterday, the Cubs are very short-handed – which is sorely needed.
The interesting part, however, is that the Cubs haven’t yet actually made the move. The implication there is that they are waiting on the chance that Emilio Bonifacio is dealt before the game starts, clearing up a roster spot for Rusin. As we know, a trade involving Bonifacio is close, and he’s being held out of the lineup for that reason.
If the Cubs can’t or don’t consummate a trade before the game tonight, they could option someone like Blake Parker or Justin Grimm or Brian Schlitter to Iowa to make room for Rusin if necessary.
EDIT: Meant to say there is also, of course, always the possibility that a bullpen arm – like James Russell or Wesley Wright or Carlos Villanueva – is traded before tonight’s game. It doesn’t sound like one of those deals is that close just yet, but it’s possible.