It sounds like the Cubs finally decided they were done going with an unwieldy nine-man bullpen, and only three guys on the bench … or it means that a position player is hurt.
David Bote is coming back up:
David Bote was a late scratch from the @IowaCubs lineup tonight. The reason why: He's headed back to Chicago. https://t.co/zLF5Hp8bkF
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) August 25, 2019
Because the minimum stay when you’re optioned down is 10 days, and Bote was optioned just five days ago, that means, by rule, he must be replacing someone who is going on the IL. Hopefully it isn’t Anthony Rizzo, who was pulled today with a back issue.
I wonder if a reliever is going on the IL? Which would not only balance the roster out more, but would be a much more palatable way to get Bote back. Then again, would you send Bote down for a few days only to bring him back up as soon as you were able if you didn’t specifically need another infielder?
I guess we’ll find out soon enough.