Cubs Option Kevin Alcántara, Javier Assad as Spring Roster Drops to 36

We got the unofficial word yesterday that Javier Assad would be optioned to Triple-A as Ben Brown took the last bullpen spot, but there were still questions about the bench. And while that is still somewhat up in the air, we now know that Kevin Alcántara will not break camp with the big club. That’s what I get for saying he had a strong case for heading to Chicago once spring training wraps up.

Per a team media release, both Assad and Alcántara have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Seiya Suzuki opening the season on the IL seemed to open the door for Alcantara, who will be out of options after this season, so see some more MLB time early. Instead, it appears as though the Cubs will go with former Cardinals star Dylan Carlson in the outfield. He’ll need a spot on the 40-man, which will be created by moving infielder Tyler Austin to the 60-day IL.

There has also been speculation about the Cubs rostering former Phillies standout Scott Kingery in order to have more infield depth. You’d have a very hard time convincing me that’s a great strategy, but I don’t get to make the call. The same could be said for going with Carlson over Alcántara. Kingery could be added by designating Ben Cowles for assignment yet again, or by placing Justin Steele on the 60-day IL.

The latter move would only be warranted if they plan to keep Steele out until late May, which could very well be the case. With just two more days before Opening Day, we will get a flurry of procedural moves in the near future.

The Chicago Cubs yesterday reduced the Spring Training roster from 38 to 36 players.

Outfielder Kevin Alcántara and right-handed pitcher Javier Assad have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Chicago’s Spring Training roster of 36 players consists of 19 pitchers (two non-roster invitees), four catchers (one non-roster invitee), seven infielders (one non-roster invitee) and six outfielders (three non-roster invitees).

An updated Spring Training roster is attached.