Cubs roster move: Brandon Workman signing announced, Sergio Alcantara DFA

Wednesday, news broke that the Cubs had signed righthanded relief pitcher Brandon Workman to a one-year contract.

Today, the Cubs announced Workman’s signing by press release and to make room on the 40-man roster for him, they designated Sergio Alcantara for assignment.

Alcantara had been claimed by the Cubs 13 days ago off waivers from the Tigers. The infielder was 3-for-21 in limited duty (10 games) for Detroit last year. He’s got significant minor-league experience at shortstop (545 games), so the Cubs are likely hoping he clears waivers so they can keep him in the organization.

Also Wednesday, when the Cubs officially announced the signing of Jake Arrieta, they placed Kyle Ryan on the COVID-19 list to make room. When Ryan returns, they’ll have to more someone else off the 40-man roster.

Lastly, one more player will have to be moved off the 40-man when the signing of outfielder Jake Marisnick is made official. With the signing of Workman, as well as the minor-league deal given to Pedro Strop, it seems likely that a reliever might be DFA’d, possibly someone like James Norwood or Robert Stock.

As always, we await developments.