Cubs roster move: Matt Duffy to COVID-19 list, Ildemaro Vargas recalled

This makes four Cubs now on the COVID-19 list:

This has to be concerning. That makes two coaches, three relief pitchers and an infielder out with COVID-related things. I hope this doesn’t make the Cubs close to a team that’s going to have to be shut down because of the pandemic.

Matt Duffy, who was signed to a minor-league deal by the Cubs last offseason, made the Opening Day roster. He’s 1-for-8 so far this year with a walk.

Ildemaro Vargas was acquired by the Cubs on waivers from the Twins September 5, 2020. He was just 2-for-9 in six games for the Cubs last year, but one of those two hits was memorable [VIDEO].

That home run off Josh Hader followed a two-run shot by Jason Heyward and helped the Cubs to a 4-2 win over the Brewers September 12, 2020.

Vargas is more versatile defensively than Duffy and can play shortstop. The way Javier Baez is hitting lately, why not give him a start? Couldn’t be worse.

As always, we await developments. Today’s game preview will post at 4:30 p.m. CT.