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As the Keegan Thompson suspension reduction news was being announced on Friday night, so was some Mark Leiter Jr. news:
Ross confirmed that Mark Leiter Jr. will start Saturday for the Cubs. The corresponding roster move remains TBA. Leiter isn’t on the 40-man roster.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 15, 2022
What that means: The Cubs will have to juggle both the 28- and 40-man rosters before Saturday’s game. Who is leaving?
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is full. With Leiter added later on today, a 40-man spot will need to be cleared. (My long-ago plan was adding Miguel Amaya to the MLB 60-Day Injured List to free up a roster spot. That could, theoretically, still happen.) Either a trade, DFA, or 60-Day event is incredibly likely before first pitch today.
Leiter has a bit of MLB experience, but his 47 games, 11 starts, and 114 innings have left a bit to be desired. His 2022 result so far is a start for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, surrendering a run in four innings, fanning seven. He makes sense for the opportunity.
The question is, though, who goes away? I'll go with a double poll. Who should get a roster purge? Then, who will get the purge?
Jesse Chavez
I looked up his player value Friday evening. Per Fangraphs, Chavez has been worth -$1.3 million this season. If you're basing the decision on one bad outing, there's your guy. Pitchers are so flukish in their production, I doubt it's Chavez.
Greg Deichmann
An outfielder on the 40-man roster, his start in 2022 has been a bit middling, so far. I'm still buying Deichmann's future, and that's enough to avoid the early DFA.
Rafael Ortega
While he's gotten some looks and has had some success, he'll be in danger of losing his 26-man roster spot. Either now, or when rosters go back to 26 after the first of May.
Michael Hermosillo
He's a right-handed hitter similar to Ortega.
Alfonso Rivas
I haven't heard many people say they want to see Rivas get sent back to Iowa, but it might happen soon.
Michael Rucker
I might as well include a "return to Iowa" relief option.
Jason Heyward
Because someone will want to vote for him.
Andrelton Simmons
Because someone will want to vote for him.
Miguel Amaya/Manuel Rodriguez
Amaya is going to miss a big chunk of 2022. Rodriguez went on the minor league injured list Friday night:
RHP Manuel Rodríguez, who went on the Triple-A injured list Wednesday, has a right elbow strain.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) April 15, 2022
Unclear on the severity of the injury, #Cubs are waiting on further evaluation.
Rodríguez, on the 40-man roster, had appeared in two games for Iowa.
One move could take care of both rosters, or multiple moves might be needed. Who is in danger of losing a roster spot?
Poll
Who SHOULD get bounced on Saturday with the addition of Mark Leiter Jr.?
This poll is closed
-
25%
Miguel Amaya
(154 votes) -
8%
Jesse Chavez
(49 votes) -
10%
Greg Deichmann
(63 votes) -
7%
Michael Hermosillo
(44 votes) -
19%
Jason Heyward
(117 votes) -
4%
Rafael Ortega
(27 votes) -
3%
Alfonso Rivas
(19 votes) -
8%
Manuel Rodriguez
(50 votes) -
6%
Michael Rucker
(41 votes) -
3%
Andrelton Simmons
(18 votes) -
1%
Someone else (leave in comments)
(11 votes)
Poll
Who WILL get bounced Saturday with the addition of Mark Leiter Jr.?
This poll is closed
-
32%
Miguel Amaya
(109 votes) -
7%
Jesse Chavez
(24 votes) -
9%
Greg Deichmann
(33 votes) -
10%
Michael Hermosillo
(34 votes) -
8%
Jason Heyward
(28 votes) -
2%
Rafael Ortega
(10 votes) -
8%
Alfonso Rivas
(28 votes) -
11%
Manuel Rodriguez
(40 votes) -
7%
Michael Rucker
(25 votes) -
1%
Andrelton Simmons
(4 votes) -
1%
Someone else (leave in comments)
(4 votes)