The Cubs are calling up Ian Happ

Just a week ago, BCB’s Josh Timmers wrote that it was time for Ian Happ to be brought to the big-league roster.

Now, per Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, it’s happening:

Chicago is expected to call up the infielder/outfielder within the next 36 hours, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. Happ has spent the entire season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

“Within the next 36 hours,” for an article written around noon Thursday, likely means Happ will join the Cubs in Milwaukee for the three-game series that begins Friday night.

Happ, who hit 39 home runs for the Cubs in 2017-18 with a career slash line of .242/.341/.459 (875 plate appearances), was demoted to Iowa at the end of spring training after a poor spring performance (7-for-52 with 14 strikeouts) and rumors that he was not devoting his full attention to baseball.

He’s hit very well this month at Iowa: .324/.451/.608 (24-for-74) with four doubles, a triple, five home runs, 12 RBI and 16 runs scored. He has played mostly center field this year, though has also seen some time at second base. He’s played left field in the major leagues before, so I would expect him to find time at all three positions. Joe Maddon, as you know, likes that sort of versatility.

There’s been no official word from the Cubs yet on this move, nor who will be removed from the 25-man roster to make room. (Happ is already on the 40-man roster, so no move there will be required.

Will Daniel Descalso finally be designated for assignment, or put on the injured list? If placed on the IL, he could have a rehab assignment at Iowa and get some regular at-bats.

Will Albert Almora Jr., who has struggled offensively, be sent to Iowa? This would rob the Cubs of a player with excellent defensive skills.

David Bote has also struggled at the bat. Could he use a few weeks in Des Moines?

Do the Cubs need three catchers? (I think they do.) Victor Caratini could be optioned, briefly, then return in September.

In any case, the Cubs will have a new bat available, likely beginning Friday in Milwaukee.