11:03am: Chicago will also place outfielder Jason Heyward on the DL with a left hand injury, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago tweets. Outfielder Mark Zagunis and righty Dylan Floro are expected to take the open roster spots.
Zagunis, 24, has followed up on a strong 2016 campaign with a .249/.399/.474 slash through 268 plate appearances at Triple-A this year. He has drawn 48 walks against sixty strikeouts thus far. As for Floro, he’ll look to improve upon his first 6 1/3 innings with the Cubs, over which he allowed six earned runs on 13 hits.
10:59am: In a surprising move, the Cubs have decided to option young outfielder/catcher Kyle Schwarber to Triple-A, according to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago (via Twitter). The expectation is that it won’t be a lengthy assignment, but it’s still a notable decision for the defending World Series champs.
Schwarber, 24, turned in an outstanding rookie campaign in 2015 and seemed primed for more last season. Instead, he lost almost the entire regular season after a devastating knee injury. But he came back in near-miraculous fashion to join the team for the Series — turning in a .412/.500/.471 batting line in twenty trips to the plate.
Things have not gone as hoped early in 2017, however. Schwarber, who has spent the vast bulk of his time in left field, currently owns a .171/.295/.378 batting line in 261 plate appearances. Though he has cracked a dozen home runs, and is carrying strikeout and walk numbers that are virtually identical to his prior marks, Schwarber has managed only a .193 batting average on balls in play. More soft contact at the expense of hard contact likely has played a role, as has a growing flyball rate (including quite a few more infield pops), though it seems reasonable to believe there’s also some misfortune baked into the results.
The move seems designed to give Schwarber a chance to get his bat on track at Triple-A — a level he barely stopped at on his way to the majors. In his stead, the Cubs still have plenty of options. Ben Zobrist seems likely to return from the DL soon, joining Ian Happ as an option in left. Both players can also line up at second base, of course, where the Cubs can also play Javier Baez and Tommy La Stella.
RiverCatsFilms
Huh. This is an interesting day for DFAs and options
ABCD
Anybody know some good hotels in Des Moines?
tim815
Actually, I know a good one about fifteen minutes from the field.
ABCD
Who’s your prediction to fall off the 40 man roster in order to bring up Zagunis? Brooks? Leathersich?
bsteady7
Leather
ABCD
It’s Rosscup. He must not have flushed after his cup of coffee this year.
thebare
Anyone would let you live in there home for a short while Chicago love you see you back soon get your head in the game baseball is played between the ears.
Ortsac Nilrats
Much needed but absurdly overdue.
mchaney317 2
And the surprising baseball moves continue today
ronnsnow
This isn’t really surprising
JP8
^
vinscully16
I think “surprise” is the wrong word, too. Schwarber missed an entire year of development in 2016, I think it’s a good move to get him on track.
mchaney317 2
If you would have told me this would be happening a month or two ago then yes I would be surprised…either way though I never expected it to actually happen even though he’s been pretty bad this year
floridapinstripes
But but he’s Babe Ruth reincarnated
CubsFanFrank
That was Dan Vogelbach.
Mike M 2
1 tool playrer
Mike M 2
player
mitt24
That tool helped the Cubs win the World Series
wedgeant27
And the lack of other tools cost them a trip to the Series the year before. The three most crucial words in baseball are still “small sample size.”
Cubguy13
Schwarbers misplayed balls didn’t exactly cost them a trip to the World Series in 2015. The fact the Cubs couldn’t get anything going offensively against the Mets overall is what did them in. Coupled with Murphy’s out of nowhere bat, Montero’s passed ball on a swinging 3rd strike that ended scoring extra runs for the Mets late in game 3 all played roles. Ultimately the Cubs just got beat by hot pitching though
mitt24
That tool helped the Cubs win a World Series
rocky7
That was last year…..its 2017 and his shortcomings defensively and now offensively have vastly overridden his contributions this year.
leefieux
No, injuries to the Indians Top three SP options helped the Cubs win that series.
jdgoat
It didn’t stop them from winning their first series…
iceman35pilot
You’re right. Forget the fact he didn’t see live pitching for 6 months, then came back to hit over .400 in the series. Anyone could have done that.
rocky7
He hit .400 by going 7 for 20…..20 at bats, with 1 double and 2 RBI’s.
Doesn’t sound like a one man wrecking crew to me.
Ask Cleveland what happened, which is a better bet as to why the Cubs won!
GarryHarris
and the poor defensive play in CF.
Ry.the.Stunner
Injuries to their top 3 SP options? At what point during the series was Kluber injured?
JKB 2
Yes ask them and they will mention the .412 batting average and .500 on base percentage. Yes moron it is 20 at bats. 20 World Series at bats! That is HUGE. A lot more impressive then 20 at bats at any point in the regular series.
Let me explain baseball to you. Its about winning the World Series. And if some key player hits .170 in the world series in 20 at bats you cant just say hey it only 20 at bats. Its about winning the world series
Cubguy13
No Schwarber didn’t launch homers in the World Series but the presence in the lineup and his ability to prove he can hit (by going 7-20) made Cleveland have to pitch differently before and after him. Also, that 7th hit of his was his leadoff single to start the Cubs 10th inning rally that won them the World Series. His part in helping them win was enormous I’d say
wingstopdaddy23
1 tool spelling
skip 2
1/2 tool
devans6915
they needed to option either him or Russell and Russell has been hot lately so down goes schwarbs
start_wearing_purple
I don’t think it’s that surprising of news when you look at his numbers. Based on team WAR, last year the Cubs had the best offensive team in the league. This year they’re 11th. So this is a good move for probably both Schwarber and the Cubs. Possibly get a little more offense on the field and taking some pressure off of Schwarber so he can regain his form.
crazysull
He is probably being sent down to work on his swing mechanics and stuff like that so he can hit for contact more and not just crush balls every so often. I see Happ taking over his spot full time for the time being.
kaido24
Similar to what the Cardinals did to Randall Grichuk a few weeks back… way overdue.
bastros88
this move needed to be done, send him down and let him make adjustments
Weylon Corp
Joe Buck’s hair plugs just fell out … so sad
thegreatcerealfamine
That my friend is the post of the year!
ABCD
I’d like to see Buck’s larynx fall out but he’ll be fawning over Kyle in October again when he’s making some dents in that Yankee Stadium short porch out in RF.
JP8
that’s the only place he can hit far enough for it to be a homerun
rocky7
That may be but he doesn’t hit them as hard or as far as AARON JUDGE BABY!
Weylon Corp
Bellinger has more HR then Judge since his call-up. Also, Judge plays in a LL park and Cody plays a division of pitcher parks. Final Verdict: Bellinger has been more impressive when it comes to power. Also I believe LAD has won 10 in a row; while NYY have lost nine in a row
firstbleed
‘division of pitcher parks’? LOL. Coors and Chase field are #1 & #2 respectively for being hitter friendly this season.
But I do agree Bell > Judge long term.
Weylon Corp
Your are right on those parks in the NLW … I was just thinking BAL, NYY, BOS, TB, TOR. Are any of those even considered pitcher friendly?
ABCD
I’d like to see Buck’s larynx fall out, but Joe will be fawning over Kyle’s exploits again this October.
JP8
does AAA have their playoffs in October too?
ABCD
No, sorry, that’s in September around Labor Day. But Kyle won’t be there for that and neither will Iowa.
JP8
his off season will have started then. Make sure you have him eat his Wheaties then when he comes home to watch the postseason
thegreatcerealfamine
Joe should book the honeymoon sweet for himself,Schwarber,and Baez this weekend. Maybe after an eventful weekend he’ll retire from the booth sooner and Matt Vasgersian can call the Dodgers vs Yankees World Series this October.
teufelshunde4
we have heard Dodgers to WS for last 5 years. doubtful
ABCD
I think Joe will just have to settle for his right hand… or is he a lefty?
ABCD
Dodgers? We don’t need no stinkin’ Dodgers! Cubs can bookend their ’07 and ’08 banners with ’16 and ’17. Or maybe it will be the Nats, the Rox, or the Tribe. But Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, Dodgers….yawn!! And Matt Vasectomy…snore!! I just turn the sound down and hope Pat Hughes syncs with the TV.
ABCD
I’d like to see Buck’s larynx fall out.
ABCD
Now that I’ve posted it three times, can “Buck’s larynx falling out” be the new “rave reviews”?
Wolf Hoffmann
He has the body of the Babe, but not the talent. Bye bye hype boy.
DonKieballs
God I bet Joe Buck is so disappointed
davidcoonce74
I watched Schwarber a lot in college. I’ve seen him hit baseballs a long way. His numbers this year are similar to Joey Gallo’s, but because the Cubs aren’t doing as well as they should be, it’s problematic. I would love to see the Cubs give him some time behind the plate again. Even if the bat doesn’t come all the way back he’d have much more value as a catcher. He’s still only 24 and the power is real. I think he’ll end up as a good player. It’s hard to miss a whole season at age 23.
User 4245925809
Sam Travis ability to make contact with Schwarber’s power perhaps?
Jean Matrac
Well, he would have value as a catcher if he was a defensive asset at the position. Since the Cubs moved him to the OF my guess is he doesn’t. Guys like Molina and Posey bring a lot of value as catchers because of what they do behind the plate, while providing above average hitting. But hitting alone, without the defense isn’t going to bring any value, and could possibly have negative value at that.
davidcoonce74
You mentioned the two best defensive catchers in baseball. Schwarber doesn’t have to be that.
chitownsox11
Schwarber has to one of the most over valued prospects/players that I have seen in a long time. I remember before the season people (Cubs Fans) thought he would be an MVP candidate. What a joke. He is a DH, will probable bat 240-260 (in a good year), and have above average power. Not exactly a great player.
He is a one tool player, that is it.
He is going to be the left handed version of Chris Carter.
JP8
Soler is more over valued
jdgoat
Yes because his obp in the minors shows he’s going to be the next Chris carter
Kayrall
It’s funny seeing these predictable emotionally driven posts.
dodgerfan711
He is right about the overhyped. Schwarber is not as bad as chris carter but he is insanely overhyped.
chesteraarthur
making completely inaccurate comps like this just makes you look petty.
Suggesting he is over rated is a very valid point, but then you ruined it.
chitownsox11
Take a look at Chris Carter’s minor league numbers. He hit for huge power (several 30 And one 40 HR season), Walked a lot just like Schwarber, had a decent batting ( Although not as good as Schwarber), and neither of them can play the field.
They are not that far off.
ABCD
Kyle’s minor league numbers were as good as Rizzo and Bryant. The MLB bat can approach that level. He just needs to go down and mash for a bit to clear his head. He does have a flair for the dramatic that is undeniable and has shown it even this year with all his struggles. I expect him to be a contributor in the postseason as he has been the last two years.
chitownsox11
The Cubs will have to make the postseason first, which is not a given. Also, Kyle is a lot closer to Chris carter than he is to Bryant or Rizzo.
You help prove the point on how delusional Cubs fans are about schwarber’s talent level.
thegreatcerealfamine
Contributing to Ballpark Franks bottom line serving dogs to the thirsty customers in the judges chamber!
ABCD
Cubs are 20-12 in the Central this year Keep that up and they’ll make the postseason where any thing can happen. They can win 89 games easily this year and win the division.
thegreatcerealfamine
*hungry
desertbull
A month overdue
GarryHarris
Addition by Subtraction: The Cubs can now evaluate other young players. Kyle Schwarber reminds me of Greg Luzinski when he began his career. Its time the NL adopt the DH full-time.
hiflew
No…just no. Leagues should not alter their very existence just because a player can’t fit in. It’s up to Schwarber to fit into the NL, not the other way around. If he can’t do it, then maybe he gets lucky and he gets traded to the AL.
chesteraarthur
preeeeeeeeeeety sure this person wasn’t suggesting that the NL adopt the DH solely to fit Schwarber.
GarryHarris
In my opinion, MLB could’ve used the DH since The Depression. Schwarber just one of many who factor. in the opinion and certainly not the tipping of the scale.
davidcoonce74
I would love to see the NL adopt the DH. There is nothing more boring in baseball than watching a pitcher try to hit.
ABCD
Well, the good hitting pitchers are fun to watch (Zambrano, Travis Wood, Arrieta), but generally even the best hitting pitchers are not as good as the worst hitting shortstops.
davidcoonce74
Yeah, I’ve had a great time this year watching Carlos Zambrano hit….when did he last play? Like 5 seasons ago?
ABCD
Just an example that the Cubs have had one pitcher over the past 15 years that can swing the bat. I think the NL will eventually switch to the DH. But it is fun to see a handful of pitchers hit. Bumgarner and Leake are other examples for today. Dontrelle Willis, Micah Owings, and Mike Hampton were good hitting pitchers from the recent past.
davidcoonce74
Even those pitchers you mentioned are well below replacement level with the bat. Madison Bumgarner is a worse hitter than Ryan Theriot. I don’t like watching Ryan Theriot hit, either.
Kayrall
Yuck, why would you derail a thread with this topic. The NL needs to stay the way it is and the AL can remain being baseball’s Sports Entertainment™ for ADHD and casual fans.
chesteraarthur
It’s not only his bat that sucks. He really needs more reps in LF and I don’t want to watch them happen at the ML level.
troll
dynasty, eh?
jdgoat
Could be
troll
one and done
toby312
Looks like cub should be sellers at trade deadline? Are they victims of the 85 bears Super Bowl meaning a very talented team that should have won more championships? Now before you jump all over me for saying these things, I’m just trying to open topic for debate , I’m not sure what side of the fence I am on here as far as what side I’m taking
citizen
wow cubs world series championship already trumped by 85 bears. will chicago move on from 85 bears as if it were yesterday.
start_wearing_purple
The Cubs are a game and a half out in a weak division. No way they’re sellers.
THE JOKER
I’m not sold on them not making any deals… Rumblings are out there that The Cubs scouts..are looking at two pitchers Patrick Corbin of the D-Backs & Gerrett Cole of the Pirates but Cole is more pricey… position wise…I would try & get a Johnny Peralta SS..to sure up the SS position… Russell is up & down ..
nailz#4life
Man I really hoped he help carry my fantasy team …. uggg all season long. I wonder if he is still not 100% heathy mentally and physically
nailz#4life
Cashman is happy to see this
firstbleed
Brewers fan and I couldn’t be happier with the position they are putting the Cubs in! I’m realistic and don’t expect the Brewers to make the playoffs, however I hope they keep playing at a competitive level through the trade deadline. My thinking is that the Cubs will get desperate and sell the farm for some rentals and in the process hurt their long term future. Also expect them to spend big on bad FA contracts in the offseason with Arrieta, Davis and Lackey potentially leaving.
ABCD
Cubs won’t sell the farm. They’ll probably hold and hope for the best in October. Next year should be better. It’s going to have to be better as the Brew Crew may be formidable very soon. And the Cardinals are always around, too.
HarveyD82
joe buck having a heart attack…
troll
no, he’s stroking it
chitown311
In the words of immortal Dennis Green, “they are who we thought they were”. When speaking of Schwarber, names like Jake Fox come to mind. To think this guy is going to be more than a 25 hr .240 BA guy, I have a bridge to sell you. Embrace the suck, Cubs fans. Just as the genius Maddon would say
Weylon Corp
Maddon did all he possibly could do to blow that WS … his “genius” is showing this year and moving Rizzo to lead off doesn’t make him a supreme baseball mind. There are good reasons Kris Bryant wants to take it year by year.
JKB 2
Weylon are you suggesting Bryant does not like Maddon?
Weylon Corp
Not really, just my opinion that he isn’t sold on the Cubs direction and doesn’t want to be tied. Just an opinion on his decision to go yr by yr. especially with these 400mil contracts being discussed about Harper coming
Djones246890
He wants to take it year-by-year because his agent is pain-in-the-@ s $, Scott Boras, and he does this with all of his clients.
Quite making things up, and writing your own narrative. It only makes you look like an I d I o t.
Djones246890
**Quit
Weylon Corp
Nice selective reading there. Very impressive but I suggest you look up the word “opinion” before declaring I’m promoting a false narrative. **The more you know**
bsteady7
I thought I loved Madison. But we won in spite of Maddon. Why in the world can we not use Almora, Jay, Baez , Russell, in the top/ spots? Put Javy up there and tell him to chill it on the huge swing. Put a base stealing threat on 1b and Javy at the plate with Bryzzo on deck and watch what happens
ABCD
If Kyle hits .240, his OPS would be around .880 with 35 HRs. That’s not too far from Bryzzo .900 OPS territory. Jake Fox was four years older than Kyle when he was brought up after hitting .400 at Iowa – not a good comparison.
padresfan
All I have to say is about time
driftcat28 2
I know hindsight is 20/20 but wow good thing the Yanks didn’t trade Miller for Schwarber. I know Torres is hurt but just a couple of weeks ago he had a very good chance to be the everyday third baseman by august. The Yankees got him for nothing as even Chapman is back
Djones246890
The kid will be fine. Being injured that early in his career was a huge blow, and it takes important developmental time away.
He’ll rake in AAA, get his confidence up, study up on what the major league pitchers have been doing to him, and come back strong.
T206
Who here is booking 2 weeks at the Des Moines hotel next to the park with a tub of cards and balls for him to sign? I know someone is, it’d probably be a good investment!
bsteady7
Did anyone else think that Caritini was getting the call today? Especially with Contreras playing LF the other day.
ASapsFables
Demoted the wrong Cub. Joe Maddon should have been sent to the minors to take a refresher course on Managing 101.
JKB 2
Hey Aaron Joe Maddon is averaging 100 wins per year in his 2 full years of Managing going to the NLCS in his first year then going to the World Series and winning it for the first time in 108 years and some clown like you can actually say what you said?
Weylon Corp
Maddon thought process: I’m going to over use Chap because when he throws 95mph he’s better then when he throws 101mph. Also lets keep Hayward in there and his hot bat. I like how after every time J-Hey comes to the plate we get to send out pitcher back out there…. MOTY material… oh wait he isn’t.
Armaday
I think playing the outfield messes with his head. It’s not a position he will ever strive at. He is born DL…Trade him to an AL team and get something great for him. He would make love to that short porch at Yankee stadium!
JKB 2
Thats just an excuse. OF does not mess with his head
Kayrall
Usually this site promotes the best, most informed discussions/comments sections, but this here rivals some of the great dumpster fires that spawn on Facebook and Reddit.
Weylon Corp
The problem is most here take someone’s opinion as fact and just attack. I try to be clear that what I post is my opinion, unless I call it a fact, but your right there a lot of soft minds here unable to distinguish between fact and opinion; or they just don’t care and act before thinking
jorleeduf
Somehow this guy is in the all star race