NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have announced that Jason Heyward is headed to the 10-day disabled list with a sprained finger in his right hand, which was sustained during the team’s May 5 loss against the Yankees. In his place, the Cubs are adding righty Dylan Floro to the 40-man and 25-man rosters, and he’ll be available tonight to help out the beleaguered bullpen.
Heyward didn’t play in either of the last two games, so his DL stint will be retroactive to May 6 – that will make him eligible to return to game action as early as Tuesday, May 16 against the Reds. Assuming he heals up just fine, which he hopefully will, given that the Cubs have been on the fence about whether to DL him in the first place for two days now. It’s not the same thing, but I can’t help but be a little nervous about a seemingly minor Jason Heyward injury at this time of year; last year, he suffered a quiet wrist injury that did not require a DL stint, but ultimately contributed to his season-long slump in a very meaningful way.
The Cubs claimed Floro, 26, off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in January, but was later designated for assignment when the team acquired Eddie Butler in a trade with the Rockies. Floro cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa, where he has pitched to a 5.06 ERA over 16 innings in eight appearances. Although he’s not walking anyone (4.1%), he’s also not striking anyone out (12.2%).
The roster move wasn’t the Cubs’ only of the night, as they also traded Matt Szczur to the Padres.
Luis Medina contributed to this post.
