Because of the timing of the moves (i.e. proximity to the All-Star break), losing Carl Edwards Jr. (paternity leave) and Albert Almora (family medical leave) on July 14th and July 15th flew somewhat under the radar, and didn’t necessarily impact the Cubs directly. If you recall, the Cubs recalled both Rob Zastryzny and David Bote in their absence for the final two games of the first half and won both games.
But now, both moves have been flipped:
#Cubs roster moves: Bote and Zastryzny were optioned to @IowaCubs and Edwards was activated from paternity leave. Almora was expected back on Thursday
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 18, 2018
So Albert Almora and Carl Edwards have been returned to the active roster and Bote/Zastryzny are being kicked out once again. The latter two have helped the Cubs throughout the season and will be back – no doubt – but this Cubs team is tough to crack right now at the margins for more than a few days at a time. It’s no knock on either of them.
Again, I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of either this season, but for now, they’ll head back to Iowa and await the next opportunity.
There’s only one more day without Cubs baseball. Let’s get to it.