Versatile Prospect Christopher Morel Reportedly Being Promoted to Big Club
According to Rolando Fermín of LaNueva 106.9 FM, the Cubs are promoting versatile prospect Christopher Morel from Double-A Tennessee to Chicago. Currently ranked No. 21 on the Cubs’ top prospect list by MLB.com, Morel is slashing .306/.380/.565 with seven homers through 28 games on the season. He has primarily played third base over the course of his professional career, but has also logged significant innings at center field, shortstop, right field, and second.
¡Rumbo al show!
Christopher Morel fue llamado a @MLB por @Cubs.
Morel en AA – @smokiesbaseball tenía una línea ofensiva de .306/.380/.565/.726 | 22CA | 7HR | 20RBI | 10BB | 30SO.
Es el prospecto #21 de los Cachorros según @MLBPipeline. De sus 28J en AA, 18 han sido en el CF. pic.twitter.com/DoZWCJxvNa
— Rolando E. Fermín (@RollingJr) May 17, 2022
This has the feeling of a reward move between Double-A and Triple-A to replace someone who has been designated for assignment or placed on the injury list. With the Cubs getting erratic play from their middle infield, it’s possible Ildemaro Vargas is being replaced. There have also been some COVID issues, so that could be in play.
Everything is speculative at this point because the report hasn’t been officially confirmed, so we’ll update this as we learn more.
Update: Morel’s promotion was indeed the result of COVID, as Jason Heyward has been placed on the IL without an injury designation. That means it’ll probably be an abbreviated stint for the electric youngster, but maybe he’ll play well enough to extend his stay.
Today's #Cubs roster moves:
– INF/OF Christopher Morel recalled from @smokiesbaseball
– LHP Conner Menez optioned to @IowaCubs
– OF Jason Heyward placed on IL
– LHP Brandon Hughes selected from Iowa pic.twitter.com/nnHecE9YoZ— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 17, 2022