When Blake Parker was added to the Cubs' active roster Monday, it was noted that there would be more callups announced Tuesday. Here they are:
#Cubs call up 7 players: Schlitter, Straily, Vizcaino, Rosscup, Lake. Plus Jokisch, Lopez. Ruggiano to 60 day DL
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 2, 2014
So, that makes three bullpen additions, two of whom have been on the active roster earlier this year: Brian Schlitter and Zac Rosscup, and Arodys Vizcaino will make his Cubs debut.
Junior Lake returns, likely in a pinch-hitting/pinch-running/occasional start role.
Rafael Lopez will be added to the 40-man roster and serve as the third catcher this month, a useful thing to have and finally, Rick Renteria will have more flexibility in the late innings.
And, two starting pitchers will join the mix: Dan Straily, who's already made one start for the Cubs this year, and lefthander Eric Jokisch, who was probably going to be added to the 40-man roster in the offseason.
The 40-man roster is now full. There was one open spot, and Justin Ruggiano's placement on the 60-day disabled list (since he's out for the year) opens another for the two players who needed to be added, Jokisch and Lopez.
The Cubs had hinted that they would be going to a six-man rotation, and with Thursday's off day, that's likely exactly what they'll do. Jake Arrieta, Travis Wood, Kyle Hendricks and Tsuyoshi Wada will probably get starts each time through, then Jokisch, Straily and Felix Doubront will share the other two spots for the rest of the year. Where that leaves Edwin Jackson when he comes off the disabled list is unknown. Mike Olt, who might also have been recalled, finished the year on Iowa's disabled list; he didn't play after August 19.
So, for those of you who chose "8" as the number of September recalls (these seven plus Parker), you win! (BCB points, of course.)
Well, there you have it. Discuss, etc.