Chicago Cubs activate Zobrist ahead of rosters expanding
September 1 means roster expansion in Major League Baseball, and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Saturday he expects 5-6 call-ups from Class AAA Iowa beginning Sunday.
Iowa will take part in the playoffs this season, so that may affect when some players come up.
Infielder Daniel Descalso was at Wrigley Field on Saturday, and he will be an activation from the injured list. He has played minor-league rehab games.
The biggest activation is veteran infielder-outfielder Ben Zobrist. He was added to the 25- and 40-man rosters Saturday night with infielder David Bote being optioned to Iowa and outfielder Mark Zagunis being designated for assignment. Zagunis was playing for Iowa.
Zobrist had been on the restricted list as he deals with personal issues tied to his divorce. Because he was added to the 40-man roster before Sept. 1, he will be eligible for postseason play, if the Cubs qualify.
Outfielder Albert Almora is expected back, and the Cubs may add catcher Taylor Davis. One player likely to be called up who has not played for the big club is left-handed pitcher Brad Wieck, whom the Cubs obtained from the San Diego Padres in a trade for pitcher Carl Edwards Jr.
Rosters can get unwieldy with a lot of call-ups, but having more players gives managers more options, especially with bullpen matchups.
"When you need it, it's kind of interesting to have," Maddon said. "My biggest concern this time of the year is when you get a bad game being able to get your guys off their feet, or even a good game. It's always about rest. I like it for that reason.
"You're going to match up a little bit. If you have that speed component like we've had in the past, that guy who can steal a base in a critical moment is always nice to have. I think the extra catcher is always nice to have. Then you pinch hit freely with other catchers if you find that relevant.
"There's the ability to even match up a little bit more out of the bullpen, primarily a left-handed thing."
Welcoming Zobrist back:
By all accounts, Ben Zobrist will be welcomed back with open arms by the Cubs.
"Honestly, it will be just great to see him, great to have him here," said first baseman Anthony Rizzo. "Baseball wise, he's a great at-bat every time. I don't care if he takes five years off, he'll be able to come back and work the plate, an at-bat. It'll be nice to have his personality and spirit here."
Joe Maddon was asked how he might use Zobrist.
"Probably at second base, probably left-handed hitting, although I won't run away from his right-handed side," he said. "And just a professional at-bat. That's the one thing he always brings. He normally doesn't expand the strike zone. The one thing we're getting a little bit better at more recently is to not to do that.
"But he's always been the guy that sets that example when he leads off the game, and I've always loved that.
"Believe me, we've missed him a lot this year. It's been pretty obvious."
Contreras starts rehab stint:
Catcher Willson Contreras went 0-for-1 with a hit-by-pitch Friday in his first rehab game for Iowa. Contreras was scheduled to catch again Saturday. He has been on the injured list since Aug. 4 with a strained right hamstring. He could be activated for this coming weekend's series at Milwaukee.
Rizzo returns:
Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup for the first time since he left the Aug. 24 game with mid-back tightness. He went 2-for-4 in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Brewers. It's possible Rizzo will get Sunday off as they try to ease him back into action.