MLB Rumors: Matt Mervis, Aaron Boone hot seat, Nolan Arenado’s struggles

MLB Rumors: Cubs finally call up Matt Mervis

The Cubs came up with every excuse in the book not to call up Matt Mervis. It was getting old, and finally they have relented.

Just a few days ago, Chicago suggested Mervis couldn’t replace Eric Hosmer at first base because it would make for a disjointed clubhouse. Hosmer is a veteran first baseman and a great clubhouse presence, of course, but he’s one of the worst hitters on the team. He should not be receiving regular playing time. The following is from Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic:

"“But the Cubs don’t appear to be pulling that lever just yet. Mervis may not be far off, but how they maneuver all of it will be interesting to see. Getting rid of Hosmer so early in the season would be a bad look in the clubhouse. It could rub some the wrong way in the sense that a well-respected veteran was given little time to work his way out of a slump. Fans certainly don’t want to hear that, which is understandable. Their focus isn’t often going to be on these types of things. Results drive fan emotions, which is natural.”"

Chicago relented on Thursday, calling Mervis up. He will likely enter the everyday lineup against the Marlins on Friday.

Mervis was one of the best prospects in all of baseball. Finally, he’ll be able to live out his MLB debut. All of Chicago will be watching.