Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie Among Cuts as Cubs Reduce Spring Roster to 50

The Cubs announced Friday that they have reduced their spring roster from 62 to 50 players as we creep closer to Opening Day. And just in case you’ve forgotten how this all works, it’s just a matter of optioning several players to various affiliates or assigning them to minor league camp.

Righty Ben Brown, infielder Luis Vázquez, and outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Brennen Davis have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Righties Michael Arias and Porter Hodge, along with outfielder Kevin Alcántara, have been optioned to Double-A Tennessee.

Five non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor-league camp: righties Ethan Roberts and Riley Thompson, catcher Pablo Aliendo, infielder Matt Shaw, and outfielder Owen Caissie.

The remaining group of 50 consists of 27 pitchers (nine NRIs), 11 infielders (three NRIs), six outfielders (one NRI), five catchers (three NRIs), and one utility player.