The Cubs announced a series of moves before tonight’s game against the Mets. Robert Stock was selected to the roster, while Cory Abbott was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Dillon Maples was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to June 15, with a right triceps strain, and Trevor Megill was optioned to Iowa. To create 40-man roster space for Stock’s selection, Chicago transferred catcher P.J. Higgins from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list.
Chicago claimed Stock off waivers over the winter, but they ultimately outrighted him off the 40-man before the season began. The hard-throwing righty has spent the year in Iowa, where he’s tossed 19 2/3 innings of 4.12 ERA ball. That’s not an eye-catching level of run prevention, but Stock’s peripherals look much better. He’s punched out 30.5% of opponents in Triple-A while walking just 4.9% of batters faced.
The latter number is especially crucial for Stock, who’s been plagued by control issues at the big league level in recent seasons. The 31-year-old walked an untenable 15.3% of hitters with the Padres and Red Sox between 2019-20, contributing to a 7.13 ERA over 24 frames. The Cubs will give him a chance to carry over his seeming newfound control at the big league level. Stock’s 2021 MLB debut will come tonight, as he’s on the mound as an opener against New York.
Losing Maples is a tough blow for the Cubs bullpen. The 29-year-old has appeared in the big leagues in each of the past five seasons, but his 22 2/3 innings this year is easily a career-high. Maples has pitched to a sterling 1.99 ERA over that time with elite strikeout (33.7%) and ground ball (52.3%) numbers. Maples boasts some of the best stuff in baseball, with elite velocity and spin on each of his four-seam fastball, cutter-slider and curveball. He’s always walked a fine line with his control, though, and Maples has continued to dole out free passes at an alarming rate (14.7%) this season.
Higgins went on the IL last week with a forearm strain. He’ll now be sidelined until at least mid-August. Recent testing revealed more significant damage than expected in his elbow, reports Sahadev Sharma of the Athletic (Twitter link). The 28-year-old Higgins has picked up his first 25 MLB plate appearances this season, serving as a backup to Willson Contreras.
Who is the current backup catcher?
Lobaton
I forgot they just made that move. Thanks!
I can see the cubs attempting to sign Wilson Ramos
I’d much rather have him than Lobatan.
Ramos can give you some power, but defensively he is bad. I believe he is coming off back problems. Might be worth a shot, I imagine he would come cheap. I don’t think their is much out there, as far as backups. Seems like most of them are having bad offensive years.
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Robert is from Good Stock
I seriously wonder if Stock will be their emergency catcher since he was drafted as one by the Cardinals before they converted him to the mound.
Huh. Just like Macho Man Savage
If he thrives, his nickname will be Unsolved Mysteries.
Coolhandneil…..That last one was ‘untouchable’…..hopefully like Stock tonight!
Cubs got what they wanted. Darvish salary gone and full seats. Now watch the reject pile starters lose some games.
Back up catcher has been a troubling issue for the Cubs. No doubt they miss Carratini who could also play 1st base and the corner outfield. Maybe time to just bring up Miguel Amaya and see what happens. Can’t be any worse than what the Cubs have experimented with so far. Contreras will be cooked by early August without some reliable help. Wilson Ramos will likely be a failure so look elsewhere.
The problem with bringing up Amaya is that he won’t get enough playing time. Bringing a player up while he’s trying to progress and having him sit on the bench 5-6 games of the week doesn’t help his development, and could hurt it.
No It won’t be 5-6 games. Likely 2-3. Contreras can also move to 1st base to provide Rizzo some rest and keep his bat in the line up. Contreras played 1st at times during the Joe Maddon run. Giving Amaya a chance now would slowly but steadily give the young player some experience. Move him up now until the team figures something out besides washed up broken down veterans and/or career minor leaguers.
Almora was an example!
I like this Stock kid in the Cubs rotation. First, he’s only 31 years old. Second, and more importantly, he only walked six in that four inning stint against the hated Mets. Dominant.
So nice to be able to mute the trolls.
Stock has A+ stuff…I hope they figure out his mechanics…It’s tough to watch dudes struggle in the high 90s.. He was throwing on a wish to find the zone,, it wont be anytime soon he has head issues