Cubs reduce spring roster to 42 players

MESA, AZ - The Chicago Cubs today sent eight players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 50 to 42 players.

Right-handed pitchers Blake Parker and Jeff Stevens and catcher Welington Castillo were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Five non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: right-handed pitchers Andrew Cashner, Casey Coleman and Thomas Diamond, left-handed pitcher J.R. Mathes and infielder Bryan LaHair.

Chicago's spring roster of 42 players consists of 18 pitchers (one non-roster invitee), four catchers (two non-roster invitees), 12 infielders (five non-roster invitees) and eight outfielders (one non-roster invitee).