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The Cubs indeed did make a roster move Saturday, but it did not involve Jason Heyward:
With Jason Heyward sidelined, #Cubs activate OF Matt Szczur and DFA reliever Neil Ramirez.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) May 21, 2016
Heyward, it's said, won't need to go on the disabled list and instead is day-to-day:
#Cubs say Jason Heyward has a contusion on his right side/rib area and will not need to go on DL.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) May 21, 2016
#Cubs hope timeline for Jason Heyward is 3-to-5 days of rest.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) May 21, 2016
With Heyward unavailable (apparently) but not on the DL, the Cubs will be playing a man short for a few days, unless Heyward can pinch-hit. Thus, the return of Szczur gives them an extra bench player, and (at least for the time being) they'll work with seven relievers.
Neil Ramirez never really got back the velocity he lost through a number of shoulder issues over the last couple of years. He pitched seldom this year: just eight appearances in the Cubs' first 40 games covering 7⅔ innings. I'm sure the team hopes they can get him through waivers and assign him to Iowa, where he could get more regular work.
Ramirez will turn 27 on Wednesday. Here's hoping he's back at some point.
And, good to hear that Heyward won't need a DL stint. The few days off could help him rest his wrist, which still doesn't appear to be 100 percent.