Today is September 1, which means that the major league roster limit expands to 40. The Cubs started small today, adding only outfielder Chris Coghlan and right-handed reliever Joe Smith off of the disabled list and recalling right-handed pitcher Jake Buchanan from Triple-A Iowa.
Coghlan went on the disabled list with a rib injury on August 17. Coghlan has played in 27 major-league games since returning from the Cubs from Oakland, posting a batting line of .222/.377/.333
Smith also went on the DL on August 17 with a strained hamstring. Since coming over from the Angels at the trade deadline, Smith has only pitched 3.2 innings over six appearances. He’s allowed three runs in that time.
Jake Buchanan was signed as a minor league free agent in early April after he was released at the end of spring training by the Astros. In parts of two seasons with the Astros, he went 1-3 with a 4.06 ERA. This season in Iowa, he was 12-8 with a 4.34 ERA. He did finish strong down the stretch, however, allowing just three earned runs in his last 20 innings over three starts.
These are the only three moves that the Cubs have made for today, although if past history is any guide, there should be more call-ups after the minor league season ends on Monday.