Cubs roster move: Kyle Ryan activated from COVID-19 list, Robert Stock DFA

Cubs lefthander Kyle Ryan, who had been on the COVID-19 list, re-joined team workouts Saturday and was officially restored to the 40-man roster Sunday. Players on the COVID-19 list don’t count against the 40-man limit and Ryan had been placed there to make room for Jake Arrieta when Jake was signed.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Ryan, righthander Robert Stock was designated for assignment. Stock had been claimed on waivers from the Red Sox last December, and he has a 4.24 ERA and 1.539 WHIP in 52 career appearances with the Red Sox and Padres. He’s 31 and does have talent — per Fangraphs he can dial up a fastball to 97 — so I’m guessing the Cubs are hoping he clears waivers so they can keep him in camp as a non-roster guy.

The Cubs will also have to clear another 40-man spot when the signing of Ryan Tepera is made official, which is still probably a few days away while he goes through the intake process. At that point, it’s possible the Cubs will place Rowan Wick on the 60-day injured list to make room for Tepera.