Cubs Call Up Infielder With Bote And Bryant Banged Up
The Cubs have been without Kris Bryant since a swing against the Pirates resulted in an oblique injury earlier this week and David Bote has apparently been dealing with an unknown injury as well.
With Bryant and Bote day-to-day the Cubs made a roster move before Friday night’s game against the White Sox to add one more infielder to their bench. Right-handed hitter Patrick Wisdom, who can play both corner infield spots, has been called up from South Bend.
The odd-man out is Jose Martinez, who just hasn’t been able to get anything going since the Cubs acquired him at the trade deadline. The Cubs also had to make room on the 40-man roster for Wisdom, so right-handed pitcher Manny Rodriguez was placed on the 45-day injured list.
Cubs roster move:
INF Patrick Wisdom contract selected from South Bend. DH Jose Martinez optioned.
To clear room on 40-man for Wisdom, RHP Manny Rodriguez recalled from AA and placed on 45-day IL.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 25, 2020
Wisdom, 29, has limited MLB experience, playing in a total of 41 games in 2018-19, with the Cardinals and Rangers. He has a .714 OPS in 76 MLB at-bats.
We know that Bryant’s been out because of a sore oblique muscle, but he has been feeling better.
Kris Bryant (oblique) hit in the batting cage today and felt “pain free,” according to Cubs manager David Ross.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) September 25, 2020
However, there’s no guarantee as of yet that Bryant will return to the lineup this weekend against the White Sox.
Ross said getting Bryant healthy is the priority. As for possibly playing Sat or Sun vs. White Sox? "I've got to wait on all that," said the manager.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 25, 2020
Yet, for whatever reason, the Cubs aren’t giving any specifics on what’s up with Bote.
Ross: David Bote had a flare-up with the minor injury issue he's been dealing with. Team still hasn't given specifics. But, that paved way for move to call up Wisdom. Ross didn't want to be short on infielders today.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 25, 2020
Kinda makes you think that whatever the issue is with Bote it’s a bit more serious than they’re letting on, especially when you consider that they felt the need to make room for another infielder on the roster.
As for the series opener on the south side, rookie Nico Hoerner will be making the start at third base.
A big series on the South Side to wrap up the regular season! pic.twitter.com/z9Xxk73XEH
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 25, 2020