There are always tons of roster movements on September 1st as rosters expand to 40 men, but some of the Chicago Cubs moves are very curious to say the least. While some very expected moves, recalling Javy Baez happened, the sudden designation of James Russell is rather surprising since Russell has been a very good pitcher in years past.
James Russell, 2.97 ERA with a 1.200 WHIP in 2014 with the Cubs, has struggled in the 2015 campaign. While late inning left handed relievers are tough to come by, it became difficult for the Cubs to continue to carry someone that hasn’t been producing on the field.
There was some speculation that Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta – whose recent no-hitter was a majestic pitching display – called out Cubs beleaguered shortstop Starlin Castro out on social media.
This is the show. We have certain expectations here. That's why you don't play.
— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) September 1, 2015
Perhaps this was directed towards Russell? Tough to tell, after Castro’s three errors in Monday night’s game or Russell’s consistent inability to get outs, it could be directed at either.
Onto the good news, the Cubs have recalled Javier Baez (like mentioned), and is expected to play second tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. Additionally Quintin Berry, Trevor Cahill, and Tsuyoshi Wada have also been called up to the big League team.
The Cubs find themselves in the playoff hunt for the first time since 2008, and their first winning season since 2009 when they finished second in the National League Central.
Quinton is an outfielder that will mostly be limited to a base-running role with the team since the acquisition of Austin Jackson probably limiting his defensive contributions. In 117 MLB games, Berry has 25 stolen bases and has never been caught. He has appeared in two postseasons, Detroit in 2012 and Boston in 2013, and has five more stolen bases and again has not been caught stealing. He has also stolen 35 bases in 41 attempts in 111 games in both the Cubs and Boston minor league systems in 2015.
Cahill was once a CY Young candidate when he was 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 2010 for the Oakland Athletics. Since that point he has been unspectacular, notching a 4.16 ERA and an uninspiring 7.52 ERA in 15 games with the Braves last season.
Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue
