Cubs Roster Moves: David Phelps and Tony Kemp Activated, Duane Underwood Jr. Optioned

The Cubs were pretty active Wednesday, swinging several trades to reshape the roster and make them more competitive down the stretch. The most prominent of those was the Nicholas Castellanos deal that was finalized 40 seconds ahead of the deadline, but he won’t be active until Thursday. Tony Kemp and David Phelps, who was acquired Tuesday, have joined the Cubs in St. Louis and have been added to the 25-man roster.

Kemp was picked up in exchange for Martín Maldonado, so his roster spot was a simple swap. The former Astro will play primarily second base with the Cubs, though he’s capable of playing left and center field as well.

Phelps takes the place of Duane Underwood Jr., who was up with the team for just one game as an emergency insurance policy after Pedro Strop was placed on the IL. After growing up a Cardinals fan, Phelps is pretty excited about joining his new team in St. Louis with a chance to make a difference in the division race.

More moves will be coming, as Castellanos will be activated tomorrow and Cole Hamels will need a spot by the weekend. The former space will likely come from optioning Robel Garcia, who seems to have hit a wall as pitchers have figured him out. The latter will be revealed in due time.