Willson Contreras suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend and Monday, it was announced he’d be out about four weeks. So, we’ll likely see Willson back after rosters expand September 1.
In the meantime, the Cubs searched for a veteran catcher with more experience than Taylor Davis to fill a backup role behind Victor Caratini.
Now, they have one:
Can confirm. RT @JonHeyman: Sources: Lucroy goes to Cubs
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) August 7, 2019
Jonathan Lucroy was released by the Angels Monday. He’s been a very good hitter for much of his career, though he is now 33 and coming off this frightening injury suffered July 7 [VIDEO].
Lucroy suffered a concussion after that collision with Jake Marisnick of the Astros and went on the injured list. He did play two games in a rehab assignment and one with the Angels July 31 before they released him.
Lucroy ranks in the bottom third of pitch framers per statcorner.com, but he did throw out 26 percent of runners attempting to steal this year and is at 28 percent lifetime in caught-stealing percentage, right about average.
Lucroy will be added to the 40-man roster, which is now full, and will presumably replace Davis (who will be optioned to Iowa) on the 25-man roster. Since the Cubs signed him after he was released, the Angels are responsible for the majority of his contract. The Cubs will pay him only a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary, which at this point in the season is less than $200,000. Presumably, he meets the team in Cincinnati tomorrow.
Poll
Jonathan Lucroy!
This poll is closed
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72%
Yea!
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1%
Nay!
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25%
Meh