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The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for their overseas regular-season opener in Japan and have trimmed their spring training roster from 42 players to 35.
Following a record-setting game against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, Elise Menaker reported the latest roster moves, which included reassigning several top prospects to minor-league camp. Among those affected, infielder Ben Cowles was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Other notable players reassigned to minor league camp include left-handed pitcher Brandon Hughes, right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, infielder Nicky Lopez, outfielder Travis Jankowski, and catchers Carlos Pérez and Moisés Ballesteros. Horton and Ballesteros, two of the Cubs’ top prospects, were never expected to make the major league roster just yet. Meanwhile, Jankowski, a veteran who signed late in the offseason, will benefit from additional reps while the team is overseas.
As the Cubs prepare for their Tokyo Series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, these roster adjustments allow the remaining players to focus on fine-tuning their game. The team’s depth in the minor leagues continues to provide flexibility for future moves.
To bolster their roster for the trip to Japan, Chicago has added Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján.
Workman has impressed during spring training, posting a .414 batting average with three home runs on just 12 total hits. He is expected to serve as valuable depth during the Japan series and exhibition games against local teams. Bruján, on the other hand, brings major league experience, something Workman lacks. His spring performance has shown promise compared to his previous regular-season stats, and his versatility at multiple positions, including third base, makes him a useful addition.
Looking ahead, the Cubs must decide how involved infielder Matt Shaw will be as the season progresses. Shaw, the team’s No. 1 prospect, made a strong case for himself in Saturday’s game against Seattle, setting up Pete Crow-Armstrong for a pivotal bases-loaded situation in the third inning. Crow-Armstrong’s endorsement of Shaw adds weight to Chicago’s upcoming roster decisions.
With several questions still looming, the Cubs will use their exhibition games to fine-tune their lineup before the season officially begins. For now, bringing Workman and Bruján on board positions Chicago for an exciting start to their campaign.
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