Cubs send nine players to minor league camp

The Chicago Cubs today sent nine players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 60 to 51 players.

Right-handed pitcher Mitch Atkins was optioned to Triple-A Iowa and right-handed pitcher David Patton was optioned to Double-A Tennessee.

Seven non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: right-handed pitcher Jeff Kennard, left-handed pitcher Vince Perkins, catchers Steve Clevenger and Blake Lalli, infielders Matt Camp and Josh Vitters and outfielder Brett Jackson.

Chicago's spring roster of 51 players consists of 25 pitchers (five non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees), 13 infielders (six non-roster invitees) and eight outfielders (one non-roster invitee).