NEWSLETTER
As expected, Jacob Turner has joined the Chicago Cubs today after last week’s trade, and it sounds like he’ll be available out of the bullpen. The Cubs also will be activating reliever Neil Ramirez from the disabled list (he stayed there the minimum time, as the Cubs said he would).
That means two spots, likely from the bullpen, will have to be cleared up. One of those spots is going to come from Chris Rusin, who was optioned back to Iowa before today’s game.
The delay on naming the other move makes me wonder if there’s a last-minute hope that it becomes clear someone else in the bullpen – Carlos Villaneuva? – could be traded or claimed on waivers, if the Cubs were to go that route before today’s game. Otherwise, it’s not entirely clear whom the Cubs would send out. Maybe Brian Schlitter or Justin Grimm is optioned? Or injured/rested? Maybe Kyuji Fujikawa is moved out? Maybe Wesley Wright is dealt? Maybe the Cubs temporarily send out a position player until the former stuff can be cleared up?
There really isn’t a best guess at this point, because it depends on what’s going on behind the scenes. If nothing develops, it seems like optioning/DL’ing for rest someone like Schlitter or Grimm is most likely. But “something developing” seems at least as likely. Stay on alert.
UPDATE: And it’s the path of least resistance, as the Cubs put Brian Schlitter on the DL with “shoulder inflammation.” I wouldn’t be too concerned about Schlitter’s health. He’ll get a breather, and all will be well. He’s thrown a ton of innings/appearances. This is fine.
