Chicago Cubs make a handful of roster moves
By David Miniel
The Chicago Cubs will start off the 2014 campaign on the road in a three game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. As a Cubs fan, this time of the year is always exciting.
So before the Cubs take on the Bucs tomorrow, the team announced a couple roster moves. First up is right handed reliever Kyuji Fujikawa.
Fujikawa was shut down last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery and is still trying to work his way back. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list under the same injury, but he could become an option for the Cubs bullpen sometime during the first half of the season.
Right handed pitcher Jake Arrieta was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Some people expected Arrieta to make the starting rotation in 2014, but that idea is going to have to be put on hold for at least the first couple months of the season.
Right handed reliever James McDonald was placed on the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. He battled a shoulder injury last year that could have been similar to this one, but he sort of played it off like it wasn’t that big of a deal during Spring Training.
The Cubbies have purchased the contract of utility man Emilio Bonifacio from Triple-A Iowa. Bonifacio had himself a terrific Spring with the Cubs during Cactus League play, his first hit as a member of the Cubs was a triple. Since then, Bonifacio has played great not only in the batters box, but out on the field as well.
He’ll give this team some solid depth this season.
Outfielder Ryan Kalish had his contract purchased from Triple-A Iowa. He’s someone who hasn’t been able to stay healthy, but Chicago always gives players who have been injury prone a second chance at professional baseball.
Cubs also purchased the contract of catcher John Baker from Triple-A Iowa. They need someone who can provide some depth behind primary catcher Welington Castillo.
Left handed starting pitcher Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He was beat by Carlos Villanueva for the final spot in Chicago’s starting rotation. He’ll more than likely be the first name called up if someone in this rotation needs to be shelved for awhile.