clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Cubs (Almost) Set 25-Man Roster

By Al Yellon
Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs players watch the baseball roll after pitcher Chris Rusin bunted in the inaugural match play bunting tournament during spring training at Fitch Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs players watch the baseball roll after pitcher Chris Rusin bunted in the inaugural match play bunting tournament during spring training at Fitch Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier Wednesday, the Cubs picked up infielder Luis Valbuena on waivers from the Blue Jays. He'll be added to the 40-man roster; Frankie De La Cruz has been outrighted, so the roster still stands at 39. Joe Mather and Shawn Camp still need to be added, and there could be a move involving Bryan LaHair (who's still having back problems) before Thursday's opener; Tony Campana has come to Chicago and would be the likely substitute if LaHair has to be DL'd.

As of now, this is the 25-man roster:

Catchers: Geovany Soto, Steve Clevenger

Infielders: Bryan LaHair, Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, Ian Stewart, Blake DeWitt, Luis Valbuena, Jeff Baker

Outfielders: Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd, David DeJesus, Joe Mather, Reed Johnson

Pitchers: Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Chris Volstad, Paul Maholm, Carlos Marmol, Kerry Wood, James Russell, Rafael Dolis, Shawn Camp, Lendy Castillo

Yes, that's right -- the Cubs are going with 11 pitchers for the first time in -- well, I'm not even sure. Probably at least five years, maybe more. That could be temporary, but maybe they'll find that it works and gives them bench flexibility. I like it.

That also makes eight players who weren't on the team at all last year and three others who weren't on the the Opening Day roster last year, a significant turnover.

More From Bleed Cubbie Blue