This was pretty funny to see play out. Bryan was watching the Iowa Cubs today, taking in Adbert Alzolay’s (excellent) start, when this happened:
Was Dillon Maples being optioned back to Iowa reported anywhere? I don’t remember seeing it.
But it’s Dillon pitching the fifth in relief of Alzolay.
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) August 13, 2019
Sure enough, 19 minutes later:
The #Cubs today activated LHP Kyle Ryan off of the bereavement list. RHP Dillon Maples has been optioned to @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/pWLFU1GoNB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 13, 2019
It makes me chuckle to think that Maples was pitching in an Iowa Cubs game before he’d officially been optioned back. That’s not technically true, but the timing of the announcement makes it look that way. (“Oh crap, they called Maples into the game! Option him! Option him NOWWWWW!!!”)
As for Ryan, he returns from the bereavement list, and will be a welcomed addition to the depleted Cubs bullpen. In case you’d forgotten who is actually in the house for the Phillies series, thanks to all the injuries and roster shuffling:
Craig Kimbrel is hopefully going to pitch off the mound this week in Philadelphia to test his knee out (inflammation), and Brandon Kintzler is eligible – and tentatively expected – to return on Friday (pec).