The first wave of September call-ups have arrived for the Cubs, and with them come some necessary 40-man roster maneuvering:
The #Cubs today announced the following roster moves:
INFs Kris Bryant & Addison Russell activated from 10-day DL
RHP James Norwood recalled from @IowaCubs
OF Terrance Gore and C Taylor Davis selected from Triple-A
RHP Luke Farrell & LHP Rob Zastryzny designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/oIlJS7EKY0— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 1, 2018
The Cubs bring back Kris Bryant and Addison Russell, as expected, and Bryant goes right into the starting lineup. The Cubs also bring up speed man Terrance Gore, third catcher Taylor Davis, and another relief arm in James Norwood. I would expect more call-ups/activations on the way this month. Iowa’s season ends on September 3.
Davis’s addition suggests that third catcher Bobby Wilson, currently on the DL with an ankle issue, might be out for a little while.
Of note, the Cubs opted to DFA Zastryzny and Farrell to clear up 40-man spots for Gore and Davis (Norwood is already on the 40-man), rather than save one of those guys by moving Brandon Morrow to the 60-day DL. A little bit of optimism that Morrow could be back before September 15? Maybe. Maybe.
As for Zastryzny and Farrell, they will join tons of guys on the waiver wire today. In their case, they can be outrighted if they clear waivers, but they would be minor league free agents at the end of the season regardless. So, the odds are good that each will get a chance to sign with a new organization in a couple months if they want. It’s also possible that the Cubs could get them to stay on a new deal. Neither was going to make it through the offseason on the 40-man in any case. Too many spots needed.