In their flurry of minor league roster moves, the Cubs also made a move that impacts the big league roster, as Iowa Cubs reliever Shae Simmons was waived and outrighted to the I-Cubs, removing him from the 40-man roster.
Simmons, 27, has been an very effective big league reliever, but injuries have set him back the last couple years, including this past Spring Training. When he finally started going at Iowa, he hasn’t had success (5.56 ERA, matching 19.3% walk and strikeout rates), and the Cubs decided it was time to clear a roster spot.
Simmons had been signed to a split deal that gave him a 40-man roster spot, but paid him different rates depending on which level he was at. It was an indication of how he was pursued this offseason – the talent was there for him to be among the top guys in that take-a-shot-on-a-reliever group – but it hasn’t worked out so far.
As for the timing, well, we don’t know for sure just yet. There is no move that’s already been publicly discussed that would require a 40-man roster spot (Simmons’ removal puts that roster at 39). It’s possible the Cubs are going to want to add another reliever from Iowa who isn’t already on the 40-man roster, or it’s possible there were other logistical reasons, specific to Simmons’ contract, why this had to happen now.
Whatever the case, the Cubs now have an open spot on the 40-man roster. Eventually, they were going to need one, whether for an acquisition in July, for Eddie Butler or Drew Smyly coming off the 60-day disabled list, or some other internal move as the season rolls along.
Simmons, having been outrighted to the team he was already on, will keep on pitching at Iowa, and trying to work out the kinks.