When the lineup came out earlier today, I was surprised to see newly acquired catcher Rene Rivera penciled in behind the plate and batting seventh.
And not because of his .224/.281/336 slash line against righties like today’s opposing starter Marco Estrada, but instead because the Cubs had just grabbed Rivera yesterday and no corresponding move had yet been announced.
Well, the corresponding move is finally here and it’s not a surprising one:
#Cubs option C Victor Caratini to @IowaCubs to make room for Rivera
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 20, 2017
As expected, the Cubs have optioned switch-hitting catcher Victor Caratini to Iowa to make room for Rivera. During this trip to the Majors, Caratini slashed .400/.438/.467 in 16 plate appearances, with three runs scored. Given his switch-hitting bat and general versatility, you can probably expect Caratini to rejoin the team when rosters expand in September.
As for Rivera, his defensive abilities, veteran presence, and offensive skills against lefties will be welcomed to a Willson Contreras-less Cubs team.
UPDATE: The Cubs also activated reliever Koji Uehara from the DL, while sending lefty Rob Zastryzny back to Iowa. With September looming, both will soon be on the roster, but for now, the Cubs prefer Uehara’s veteran presence. Although he’s had a rough stretch in the second half, he sports a solid 3.55 ERA and 3.35 FIP on the year. He also becomes one of the few Cubs relievers who doesn’t have a double-digit walk rate.