Finally! Matt Mervis Reportedly Being Promoted

As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Matt Mervis will finally be promoted when the Cubs return to Chicago to face the Marlins starting on Friday. This move comes a little later than I’d initially suspected, but I’ll accept partial credit for saying he’d be brought up to the face the Marlins. With the Cubs struggling to score runs — they’re sitting at two total tallies in the last three games against the Nats as of this writing — a boost is badly needed.

Exactly how they’ll make room on the roster remains to be seen, but Eric Hosmer has been putting up below-average production and occupies the same DH/first base spots Mervis will play. Edwin Ríos is another option due to his disappointing offensive production, but he hasn’t gotten regular enough playing time to hand over to Mervis.

Since Ríos still has a minor league option, he could be sent to Triple-A while also shifting Hosmer into a bench role. That makes more sense from a depth perspective because the Cubs have an open spot on the 40-man and don’t have to part with anyone to add Mervis. Besides, there’s a feel-good story in Hosmer mentoring him for a while.

After banging this drum for a long damn time, it’s fun to see the front office marching along. More to come on this great news. Now go buy a shirt.