Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubbie Blue Bones And Groans

Dr. Joseph Hecht returns with a new recurring column, a breakdown of injuries to our Cubs and some of our division rivals. --------- Under the Category: Break out the Blue Duct Tape. Kerry Wood’s latest ache is apparently proximal triceps related. He is officially on the DL and back to slow rehab mode although there has been no word on when towel drills will begin. So far no MRI has been ordered but who knows since we’re not getting much information. Baseball Prospectus’ Will Carroll has said: “What’s not so bad is that sources tell me that pain is not in the back of the shoulder, but rather nearer the triceps where Wood has already had problems this spring.” I commented on the situation a few days back on this TCR thread. Included is a nice link to triceps anatomy. Godspeed Woody… ----- Cub Pitcher Juan Mateo will also be on the DL with right shoulder impingement syndrome. This is what can lead to a rotator cuff tear but there is no cuff tear yet. The anatomy involves the acromion or distal clavicle rubbing on the top surface of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus tendon). Basically he rests the shoulder then rehabs with towel drills in his future. Cub Utilityman, Buck Coats will also start on the DL. He had an MRI that revealed a cyst behind the knee which was apparently causing him pain. If the cyst is outside the knee joint, it is usually called a Popliteal or Baker’s cyst (insert residual Dusty jokes here). Carrie Muskat has reported that Coats will have surgery to remove it. If it’s a cyst inside the knee, and is taken care of by arthroscope the problem has a few weeks recovery time. Conversely, surgical removal of Bakers cysts require a significant incision on the back of the knee because the cysts are near the major nerves and artery that need to be protected before the cyst can be removed. If that is what Buck is getting, don’t expect to see him for a few months. (Ed. note : The ESPN.com transaction page indicates that Coats has been sent down to the minors but not placed on the DL, no word on cubs.com though) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the category: Can DLee get justice? Rafael Furcal sprained ankle is just not at a stage where the Dodgers feel safe about putting him out there…the Dodgers are simply being cautious. From the mlb.com article in the above link, Grady Little was quoted: "We have to use common sense. If he starts with any limp, how long will he be at only 80 percent? It could prolong that time. If it takes four or five days into the season to get him 100 percent, you have to consider if it's worth that. You run the risk of having him at 80 percent for three weeks.” BP’s Will Carroll says to expect Furcal to miss minimally the first week and not to expect much base stealing for a few weeks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the category: Pass the Duct Tape to the Division Rivals. The Reds lost OF Chris Denorfia, he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow that will undergo surgical reconstruction (ie. Tommy John surgery). He’s out for the year, this is problematic particularly when brittle Ken Griffey shatters something again. ----- Coming back from arthroscopic hip surgery in September 06 done by Dr. Byrd out of Nashville, Cardinal closer Jason Isringhausen has pitched effectively this spring except for back to back innings. Dave Duncan probably will have him on a tight leash all season. ----- Pirate batting champion, Freddie Sanchez is recovering from a grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. They even had him see famed orthopod Dr. James Andrews in Alabama, who confirmed the diagnosis. This injury usually takes 2-6 weeks to resolve and the injury occurred on March 6th so he’ll only miss the first week or two of the season. The Cubs don’t play the Pirates until April 30th so we won’t get any reprieve. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally, BP’s Will Carroll reported on Otto the Dog Otto the Dog made it through surgery and appears to be recovering comfortably after a scary incident in spring training. Knowing that his work with the ball was all that was holding him back from being a true five-tool dog, Otto had put in hours this spring trying to improve. It appears he took his work a bit too seriously and ended up with a large piece inside him.The surgery to remove it was successful, but it's clear that not only will Otto start the season on the DL, an equipment change is going to be necessary.

Comments

Does anyone have injury/rehab updates on some of our minor league guys? Petrick, Blasko, Hagerty, Harvey, Johnson. I saw a picture somewhere of Petrick pitching in Arizona, so that's a good sign. I really like that kid.

[...] Also, our associates over at The Cub Reporter had a guest columnist, Dr. Joseph Hecht, that gave us an update on Juan Mateo and Buck Coats… Cub Pitcher Juan Mateo will also be on the DL with right shoulder impingement syndrome. This is what can lead to a rotator cuff tear but there is no cuff tear yet. The anatomy involves the acromion or distal clavicle rubbing on the top surface of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus tendon). Basically he rests the shoulder then rehabs with towel drills in his future. [...]

HONESTLY - I could care less if the guy ever pitches again for the Cubs. Unlike MikeC, or the other proponents here, I don't believe he'll become a closer, at least not this year - if ever. I am SO TIRED of the "IF'S!!!" Time to move on and see what Lou's healthy squad can do on the field, in the REGULAR season.

Plug for the TCR predictions 2007. Please see the post if you haven't made your's yet. Deadline is Monday at 11 am Chicago time.

Agreed E-Man. I'm tired of reading stuff about the health of these two. Wood may become an alright closer but for how long until he has another problem. As for Prior, if he throws good in AAA then give him a shot. I don't know how many good starts I would give him until I pull him up. Five maybe. But I'm ready to throw all the Wood/Prior crap out the window and play ball.

[...] Howie Klein wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptUnder the Category: Break out the Blue Duct Tape. Kerry Wood’s latest ache is apparently proximal triceps related. He is officially on the DL and back to slow rehab mode although there has been no word on when towel drills will begin. … [...]

The E-Man says: March 31st, 2007 at 4:04 pm # HONESTLY - I could care less if the guy ever pitches again for the Cubs. Unlike MikeC, or the other proponents here, I don’t believe he’ll become a closer, at least not this year - if ever. I am SO TIRED of the “IF’S!!!” Time to move on and see what Lou’s healthy squad can do on the field, in the REGULAR season. =============================== E-MAN: I (finally) did get to see Jose Ceda pitch in a game, for Peoria versus Daytona in a ST intrasquad game, and he threw five shutout innings alternating gas and Uncle Charlies and he was virtually unhittable. Lots of Ks. Conversely, Mark Pawelek was really bad. No command. He hit Daytona DH Alberto Garcia on the forearm with a pitch and it wouldn't surprise me if Garcia's got a broken arm. And 17-year old hotshot Venezuelan RHP Larry Suarez got creamed in his one inning of work, so I would expect to see him go either to EXST (and then to AZL Mesa) or to the Dominican Summer League (DSL). The Cubs no longer have a team in the Venezuelan Summer League, so Venezuelan players deemed not ready for the AZL go to the Dominican Republic and play in the DSL. Also, I did see Buck Coats at minor league camp today wearing a minor league uniform, so apparently he was optioned to AAA and then will be placed on the DL. I'm not sure how the Cubs can get away with that, though, since the injury was apparently diagnosed before he got sent down. As for Sean Marshall, he apparently remains on target to open the season in the Iowa Cubs starting rotation, along with Mark Prior and three of four from among J. R. Mathes, Ryan O'Malley, Les Walrond, and Randy Wells. Sean Gallagher, Donald Veal, Mark Holliman, Justin Berg, and James Henderson are the current starting rotation at AA (subject to change, depending on what moves are made at AAA). Rocky Cherry (who will likely be the closer), Carlos Marmol, Roberto Novoa, Clay Rapada, Federico Baez, Carmen Pignatiello, Ben Howard, Edgar Almonte, Adalberto Mendez, and Paul Schappert (probably in that order) are still competing for spots in the Iowa bullpen. Related to a post I made yesterday, Mike Fontenot and Chris Amador are still with Iowa and Tennessee (respectively), and still no sign of Tomas Perez at minor league camp (meaning he was probably given his release after he got cut).

AZ PHIL: I am glad you got to see Ceda in person. From what you have stated since the last view of him, it seems as if he is making progress? As I have stated, regardless of the hicchups, I am looking forward to the future of the Cubs without Wood and Prior. Part of who you have seen this ST, will be in the starting rotation as early as 2008, wouldn't you think - particularly if Marquis cannot be a servicable pitcher?

The E-Man — March 31, 2007 @ 9:17 pm AZ PHIL: I am glad you got to see Ceda in person. From what you have stated since the last view of him, it seems as if he is making progress? As I have stated, regardless of the hicchups, I am looking forward to the future of the Cubs without Wood and Prior. Part of who you have seen this ST, will be in the starting rotation as early as 2008, wouldn’t you think - particularly if Marquis cannot be a servicable pitcher? ============================= E-MAN: Ceda's breaking ball has improved from when I saw him last year. He should be the #1 starter at Peoria, although Billy Muldowney has looked very good, too. . . I would think Angel Guzman will be in the Cubs starting rotation next year, but I would think he would probably replace Wade Miller (who will be a FA after the season) rather than Marquis. Sean Gallagher looks like a sure-fire MLB prospect, but he might not be ready until 2009, Jeff Samardszija could move really fast and might be ready for the big leagues sometime next year. I like Donald Veal, but to me he's more of a future closer than a starter, at least until he can consistently throw less than 20 pitches per ining. And Sean Marshall should be an MLB rotation starter again in the near future, if not with the Cubs, then with somebody.

I have a question for the Doc. With all these inflammations, tendinitis, etc. that Cubs pitchers have been suffering the past years; how much of it do you think is related to improper hydration? I know that Zambrano suffered from cramps and stuff from lack of fluids but how does it relate to these other inflammatory injuries?

I know that Zambrano suffered from cramps and stuff from lack of fluids but how does it relate to these other inflammatory injuries? ------ That is a tough one to answer well. The Zambrano cramping example is the most typical event on a hot day when an athlete isn't hydrated and dizziness or headache also can be symptoms. Playing through a viral illness (GI) can put an athlete in a dehydrated state. So can certain diets. Most of the inflammatory injuries around the shoulder and elbow are more related to repetitive trauma (more stress than trauma I suppose). Pulled muscles, particularly hamstrings are often due to inadequate stretching, especially when the weather is colder. Knee injuries like meniscal tears are due to awkward crouching/pivoting and knee ligament injuries are often due to deceleration or inadvertent contact. I think it's a reach to say that dehydration has a role in the inflammatory problems, but I guess it's possible particularly pulling a muscle might make sense if it's cramping up and then gets over stretched. Here is a decent link on sports and dehydration: http://www.personalmd.com/news/quench_82900.shtml

Thanks for the info Dr Joe. Maybe you and AZ Phil can dig around for the info/typical diagnosis on those other players Eric mentioned. AZ Phil, That's great news about Ceda, AZ Phil. Hopefully he will come up with a nice third pitch turn into a top of the liner starter, then, just maybe, people will quit complaining about Willis.... nah, who am I kidding? Veal said in the MLB.com article he was focusing on throwing more strikes and not worrying about the K's so much. I guess by your commens that hasn't started happening yet?

Pawelek is really starting to smell like yet another 1st round bust. Yes, I know he's young, but a true prospect makes immediate progress when in the low minors, and this kid ain't. Memo to Cubs--STOP DRAFTING HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS!! Other than Kerry Wood, has this ever worked out for us? Cunningham, Patterson, Harvey, Pawelek, who am I missing over the last 10 years? And yes, I know that our college 1st rounders have been equally disappointing, but unlike the HS-ers above, our college pick failures have almost exclusively been due to injury. AZ Phil--I am all over Ceda, dude is impressive. I could easily see him moving into most folks' Top 5 Cubs prospects lists before the year is out. Filthy stuff and a horse of a body.

Forgot to add--talked with a local Royals guy this weekend, I quote: "Tell me about this Rocky Cherry kid." I hope the Cubs don't screw the pooch with Cherry, keep a vise-grip on him Fleita, and don't let Hendry get any weird ideas.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.