Cubs roster moves: Cole Hamels to IL, Carlos Gonzalez DFA, Dillon Maples, Rowan Wick recalled

Cole Hamels walked off the mound in Cincinnati after a couple of warmup throws before the second inning Friday night. He was diagnosed with an oblique injury and so will hit the injured list.

Carlos Gonzalez was picked up by the Cubs after the Indians released him. It was a worthwhile risk that cost the Cubs only a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary, but it didn’t work out and they are letting him go.

Here’s a summary of today’s roster moves:

Gonzalez apparently can stay in the organization if he chooses:

Dillon Maples and Rowan Wick are power arms who have both had some success in the big leagues for the Cubs. I’m a big fan of Maples and hope that he’s been able to tame his wildness, because he’s got a power slider that’s nearly unhittable. Maples’ last six appearances: 0.00 ERA, 20 batters faced, no hits, two walks, 12 strikeouts. He’s capable of that in the major leagues, I think.

Wick has had three appearances for the big-league Cubs this year and has a 2.45 ERA and six strikeouts in 3⅔ innings.

I’d expect the extra pitcher to last only a couple of days, to give the Cubs some bullpen help, and for a position player to be added soon. With the DFA of Gonzalez, there’s an open spot on the 40-man roster.