In addition to the surprise Addison Russell-Albert Almora swap discussed earlier, the Cubs also activated Brandon Kintzler from the injured list (pec), and optioned James Norwood back to Iowa.
It was a one-day stop for Norwood, who watched the other relievers implode last night as he looked on as depth if the game had gone to extras. He could conceivably be back in September when rosters expand, but it’s also possible he’ll just have to take another swing at things in Spring Training.
Kintzler has been arguably the Cubs’ most consistently effective reliever this year, so it’s great to have him back after a minimum stay on the IL. One day too late, as it were, but still good to have him back.