Bears News: Albert Almora Jr. optioned to Iowa, Addison Russell recalled, more |
The Chicago Cubs make some moves today after their heartbreaking walk-off loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night.
The Cubs have optioned centerfielder Albert Almora Jr. to Triple-A and recalled infielder Addison Russell to take his spot on the roster. Russell has been hitting .313 with three homers in his last ten games at Iowa. Overall, he batted .333 with 14 runs scored, four doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI in 15 games at Triple-A. In 2019 with the Cubs, he has only batted .247 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 55 games. Almora has a .243 average with 12 homers and 32 RBIs in 114 games this season. It is even worse after the All-Star break as he only has hit .219 with four homers. He will likely be back with the Cubs once rosters expand on September 1. Look for Ian Happ to get more playing time in the outfield with Almora's absence on the major league ballclub and Russell's reemergence in the infield. Veteran reliever Brandon 'Salt' Kintzler has been activated from the 10-day injured list (pectoral inflammation) and right-handed pitcher James Norwood was optioned to Triple-A to make room. Kintzler will be a welcome sight for the Cubs beleaguered bullpen. In 2019, he has an impressive 2.33 ERA in 49 appearances. In his last 29 appearances, he has a sparkling 1.73 ERA as could be used with some save opportunities until closer Craig Kimbrel returns from the injured list. Russell and Kintzler will both be available for tonight's road game against the Pirates. The #Cubs today announced the following roster moves:
Cubs still looking for the right mix. It’s been a much bigger struggle than anticipated. https://t.co/Ik8HYhITN2
Reminder: The season didn’t end last night. Cubs are right there with St. Louis near the top of the NL Central. 41 games to go. Several significant reinforcements will be joining the Cubs during that time. There’s a lot of baseball left. Let’s see how it plays out.
- RHP Brandon Kintzler activated from 10-day IL
- INF Addison Russell recalled from @IowaCubs
- OF Albert Almora Jr. optioned to Triple-A
- RHP James Norwood optioned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/p8VD6QVz4b
