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Kris Bryant’s 2018 season has been ruined by a shoulder injury that he suffered while diving for a ball in the field. It’s his non-throwing shoulder, even so, it might require surgery in the offseason.
Now, though, things appear to be recovered enough with the shoulder that Bryant has been placed back on the Cubs’ active roster, as today is roster expansion day!
#Cubs activate Bryant, Russell. Norwood recalled. Terrance Gore and Taylor Davis selected from Iowa. Farrell and Zastryzny both DFA'd
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 1, 2018
Bryant is hitting .276/.380/.474 (84-for-304) with 11 home runs in 76 games. Really, considering the injury, that’s not bad at all. Hopefully he gives the offense a boost over the final 28 games.
Addison Russell has also had a shoulder injury bothering him for most of the season, as well as a finger injury. With Daniel Murphy now installed as the everyday second baseman and Javier Baez’s bat needed in the lineup at shortstop, Russell won’t get much playing time:
Bryant expected to be in lineup Saturday, Russell to return initially in late-inning role.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 31, 2018
Here’s information about the other roster additions for Saturday.
James Norwood has had a couple of stints with the Cubs this year, most recently when he was the 26th man Wednesday for the regular game following the suspended game’s completion. Norwood throws at 97-98, and Joe Maddon seems to like him.
Terrance Gore, acquired in a minor-league deal a couple of weeks ago from the Royals, was added to both the 40-man and active rosters. He’ll serve as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. In 11 games at Iowa, Gore went 4-for-34, but stole five bases in six attempts. Remember, he’s not here to be a hitter.
Catcher Taylor Davis had a brief cuppa coffee with the big-league Cubs in 2017, going 3-for-13 with a double. He also needed to be added to the 40-man roster. As noted above, Luke Farrell and Rob Zastryzny were designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man. It’s possible both will clear waivers and remain in the organization.
Catcher Bobby Wilson, who was acquired from the Twins for Chris Gimenez Thursday, could also be to the active roster when he’s eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday. Per Carrie Muskat’s Twitter, Wilson is in Philadelphia with the Cubs. Incidentally, Gimenez was added to the Twins’ active roster today.
There will undoubtedly be more players, particularly pitchers, added to the roster Tuesday after Iowa’s season ends. The current active roster stands at 30.