Roster Update: Jorge Soler Returns to Crowded Roster, Joe Nathan Gets DFA’d
In conjunction with the release of today’s lineup, the Chicago Cubs brought Jorge Soler up from his rehab assignment and back on the roster. With that move, the Cubs were left with another tough decision on how to make room for Soler on the 25-man roster. Joe Nathan is the casualty this time around. Per Carrie Muskat, we learned that Nathan has been designated for assignment.
Joe Nathan designated for assignment to make room for Soler. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 5, 2016
It’s a tough move for Nathan, who fought his was back valiantly from Tommy John surgery last year. The Cubs signed Nathan to a major league contract back on May 17 and then he started a prolonged rehab assignment. He was brought up on July 23 to supplement the bullpen.
He only played in three games with the Cubs, tallying two innings pitched in which he allowed two hits, walked two and struck out four. In that limited action he looked pretty good but of course it was nothing like his former-self, and we certainly never expected that either. The Cubs will now have 10 days to release, waive, trade or assign Nathan to the minors. We’ll have to wait to see what happens. I’m assuming that if he gets released another club would likely pick him up.
As for Soler, he was placed on the 15-day DL back on June 7 and has been on a rehab assignment since July 20. If you’re curious, he’s been awful the entire time he’s been on rehab. In 49 plate appearances he’s had six hits and 16 strikeouts. Not exactly inspired numbers. Hopefully, that was enough of that and he’ll get back to how he was performing just before he went out, flaming hot.
