:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58974199/921649014.jpg.0.jpg)
It’s a great sign that we’re getting closer to Opening Day that the Cubs sent three players from the 40-man roster and ten non-roster invitees down to minor league camp. This cuts the current Spring Training roster down to 49.
The three players on the 40-man roster sent down were top pitching prospects Adbert Alzolay, Oscar De La Cruz and Duane Underwood Jr. None of them were expected to make the Opening Day roster, although all three could see major league time this year with a successful stint in the minors.
The ten NRI sent down include: right-handed pitchers Craig Brooks, David Garner and Thomas Hatch; left-hander Alberto Baldonado, Daniel Camarena and Michael Roth; infielder Jason Vosler; outfielders Charcer Burks and Bijan Rademacher as well as catcher Ian Rice.
Again, none of those players were expected to make the Opening Day roster and most of them were in camp to give the Cubs coaching staff a chance to look at guys who could play a role in the majors in 2019 and beyond.