MESA, Ariz. – By Sunday afternoon, the Cubs had made a collection of roster strikes and choices that supplied readability on their bench.
Utility gamers Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján made the journey roster for the Tokyo journey, supervisor Craig Counsell mentioned. That left Nicky Lopez, a veteran non-roster invitee, because the odd man out for the bench battle.
“Nicky had a heck of a camp,” Counsell mentioned. “Did every thing we needed him to do. The opposite guys across the competitors additionally performed very, very nicely. So, there’s a choice. And so they’re on the [40-man] roster as nicely. So, he’s had an ideal camp, and it’ll end up nicely for him no matter occurs right here.”
A clause in Lopez’s NRI contract offers him an opt-out on the finish of camp if he’s not on the roster by then.
The Cubs return to Arizona for one more 5 spring coaching video games earlier than re-opening the common season domestically. In idea, the scenario might change between every now and then, giving the Cubs a gap so as to add Lopez.
Lopez is predicted to discover his choices. And between his spring efficiency, observe file and defensive versatility, he may very well be a match for a number of groups.
Together with Lopez, the Cubs returned six non-roster invitees to minor-league camp, together with outfielder Travis Jankowski, left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, right-hander Cade Horton, and catchers Moises Ballesteros and Carlos Perez. They optioned infielder Benjamin Cowles to Triple-A.
