Cubs Roster Moves and Injury Updates: Bryant and Hancock to DL, Underwood to AAA, Farrell/Maples/Bote Called Up
A lot of news coming out of Dodger Stadium today from the Chicago Cubs. First, Kris Bryant has indeed been placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to June 23) with shoulder inflammation. Justin Hancock also hits the 10-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.
After his successful MLB debut last night, Duane Underwood Jr. goes back to AAA Iowa. In order to fill those three roster spots, the Cubs have called up Dillon Maples, Luke Farrell, and David Bote. Farrell is a known commodity and Bote was called up earlier in the season, but this will be Maples’ first action with the Cubs in 2018.
The flame-throwing righty got a cup of coffee last year and boasts what might be the best pure stuff in the entire organization, but control has been an issue for him. With only six walks over his last 9.2 innings, it appears he may be moving in the right direction. And that’s against 18 strikeouts in that same time. Maples could be a real factor with Brandon Morrow and Carl Edwards Jr. still out.
The #Cubs today:
– Placed 3B Kris Bryant (left shoulder inflammation, retroactive to 6/23) & RHP Justin Hancock (right shoulder inflammation) on 10-day DL
– Optioned RHP Duane Underwood Jr. to @IowaCubs
– Recalled RHPs Luke Farrell & Dillon Maples, INF David Bote from Triple-A pic.twitter.com/aUsauY2wmE— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 26, 2018
The Cubs had been patient with Bryant’s injury in the hope that they could avoid the DL, but ultimately decided he wasn’t ready to on Monday or Tuesday night, so it was best to take advantage of the 10-day break. He’ll be eligible to return a week from today.
Edwards to throw bullpen today
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) June 26, 2018
In addition to the roster moves, we also got some updates on players already on the disabled list. Yu Darvish played catch at Dodger Stadium Tuesday after his successful rehab outing last night, which could telling when projecting the Cubs’ plans for him moving forward.
Tuesday was a rest day for Morrow but Edwards was expected to throw a bullpen as both relievers work their way back to the active roster.