This weekend, Miguel Montero returned from the disabled list and the Cubs opted to open up a 25-man roster spot by designating outfielder Ryan Kalish for assignment. Since Kalish had no minor league options left, it was the only way to proceed. The Cubs had to then put him on waivers, cross their fingers and hope he wasn’t claimed, and then see if he would agree to return to AAA Iowa on his minor league deal (because he’d been outrighted before in his career, he had the right to decline the outright from the Cubs and instead opt for free agency).
Well, good news on that front: per the Cubs’ transactions page and the Iowa Cubs roster, Kalish did clear waivers and then did accept the outright assignment to Iowa.[adinserter block=”1″]
Given the Cubs’ periodically precarious outfield situation after the Kyle Schwarber injury, it’s great to still have Kalish in the organization if another injury should arise. With Matt Szczur set to return from his hamstring injury as soon as this week, the Cubs could afford to drop an outfielder now in favor of carrying a third catcher, Tim Federowicz, who may not have cleared waivers if the Cubs had to go that route with him (indeed, they may still have to whenever Szczur is ready to return).
Kalish, 28, returns to Iowa with a .368/.471/.509 line there through 20 games.
Although the Cubs don’t need it right now, the Kalish outright also opened up a spot on the 40-man roster.