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As noted here earlier Monday, the Cubs are calling up top prospect and 2018 No. 1 pick Nico Hoerner in order to have another shortstop on the roster while Addison Russell is examined for a possible concussion. Nico will be the first player from the 2018 draft class to make the major leagues.
Here are the official roster moves:
James Norwood and Nico Hoerner are here. Alzolay optioned. No 40 man move yet for Hoerner. Nico at SS batting 6th
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 9, 2019
Alzolay optioned out. Cubs don’t want to add to rookie’s innings. Norwood recalled.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) September 9, 2019
Randy Rosario DFA for Hoerner
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 9, 2019
Randy Rosario seemed like an afterthought on this 40-man roster. He was on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, struggled, got sent down, recalled, struggled again and then wasn’t called up in September when rosters expanded, even though the Cubs could have used another lefthander.
Given that it’s nearly mid-September and most teams’ 40-man rosters are full, it seems likely that Rosario will clear waivers and be outrighted to the Iowa roster. From there he probably gets an invitation to major league spring training in 2020 and another shot at the big leagues.
Welcome to the Show, Nico Hoerner! Here’s hoping he’ll make some memories for us this September. And if he does get playing time, remember this:
...but the reason the Cubs are comfortable with calling him up is that they know he won’t be deterred by struggles, they know he can put up a pro plate approach against anyone, they know he’ll absolutely work defensively, he’s their fastest player. He can help. Let’s go.
— Cubs Prospects - Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) September 9, 2019
Tonight's game preview will post at 7 p.m. CT.