Disabled list a revolving door for Cubs

The Cubs' seemingly never-ending player carousel kept spinning Sunday.

Outfielder Reed Johnson went on the disabled list with lower-back spasms. The Cubs selected the contract of outfielder Brad Snyder from Class AAA Iowa to take Johnson's place.

Catcher Geovany Soto came back from the disabled list, with little-used catcher Welington Castillo going back to Iowa.

Johnson's back problems have been chronic. The Cubs backdated the move to May 26.

Johnson and Jeff Baker (groin) both have been hobbled lately, and the Cubs couldn't wait any longer to have some healthy bodies on the bench.

“He knows himself better than anybody, and from legs to a little bit of back, it was just tough with Bake being limited right now,” manager Mike Quade said. “With both those guys, who've meant so much to us, to be hamstrung without them … we could keep Reed doing what we're doing, day to today, but it just got tough.

“I think we're better off doing this and giving him a full week or whatever it takes to get him back and being productive off the bench for us.”

Snyder, 29, made his major-league debut last year with the Cubs and played in 12 games. At Iowa, he was batting .342 with 7 homers.

He said last year's September call-up was helpful.

“Pretty much getting the jitters out, seeing what it's all about,” he said.

As highly as the Cubs apparently think of Castillo, he got into only four games, going 2-for-13.

“Cassie needs to go play,” said Quade.

In Soriano's defense:Left fielder Alfonso Soriano came out of Sunday's game for defensive purposes. He made a pair of misplays Saturday. The Cubs know Soriano is limited defensively, but they feel they have to live with it.#8220;I feel bad for him from the standpoint of his legs just not being what they were and not allowing him to get to balls,#8221; Mike Quade said. #8220;I think sometimes it looks worse than it is. I'd love for him to be able to get to some of those balls.#8220;I watch him work with (coach Ivan DeJesus) every day. Being an inexperienced guy who didn't play outfield from the get-go, he has a tougher time around the wall than a lot of guys who have done that for their entire life.#8221;Roster move coming: The Cubs today will put infielder Jeff Baker on the DL and bring up infielder DJ LeMahieu from Class AA Tennessee. Baker has been bothered with a groin injury.Rodrigo ready to go:Rodrigo Lopez will make his first start of the season today against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. The Cubs got him in a trade last week with Atlanta. At Class AAA Gwinnett this year, Lopez was 6-1 with a 2.59 ERA.#8220;Personally it was tough,#8221; the 35-year-old righty said of being in the minor leagues. #8220;In baseball, you have to keep your thoughts positive and do what you control, which is pitching. I was not happy to be over there, but I have to do my job. So far things have been working good.#8221;