The Chicago Cubs have a lot of promising prospects that are slowly climbing through their farm system.
Some of these prospects like Junior Lake were able to show the club what they have to offer for the team. Today the Cubs have optioned three prospects (although one is almost 40 years old) to Triple-A Iowa as they clear some space on their 40 man roster.
First player to be optioned is 35 year old outfielder Darnell McDonald. McDonald’s big game came near the end of the season where he launched a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He batted .302 through 25 games with the Cubs and drove in five runs. McDonald should have a good shot at making the opening day roster next season.
Right handed pitcher Trey McNutt who was moved to the bullpen this year, missed half of the season with a shoulder problem. The 24 year old pitcher put up a 4.60 ERA with a 23/14 K/BB ratio in 31 1/3 innings of work at the Double-A level. Chicago’s big problem right now is their starting rotation and their bullpen.
Catcher J.C. Boscan could possibly see some more major league action next season as this position is a little thin. Castillo ended up having season ending surgery late this season. The Cubs are supposedly interested in spending some big money on a free agent catcher.
They also activated three players from their 60-day disabled list. Pitchers Rafael Dolis and Zach Putnam both fell to serious injuries this season. Putnam had season ending surgery back in August to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow. He allowed seven runs through just 3 1/3 innings with the Cubs this season at the major league level.
Dolis appeared in only five games with the Cubs this season before suffering a forearm straight early in the year.
Outfielder Thomas Neal dislocated his shoulder in Early August which put him on the shelf for the remainder of the season. He appeared in six games this season for both the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees.
This handful of players should have the opportunity to make the opening day roster in Spring Training.