The Cubs trimmed their Spring Training roster on Friday afternoon before the split squad games against the Mariners and Angels from 58 to 53 players.
The Cubs optioned Richie Robnett to Triple-A Iowa and assigned non-roster invitees J.R. Mathes, Brian Schlitter, Matt Smith and Steve Clevenger to minor league camp.
The second round of cuts came a day after minor league camp opened at Fitch Park…and the assignments were announced shortly after the news about the signing of Esteban German to a minor league contract hit the wire.
Lou Piniella still has 26 pitchers, five catchers, 11 infielders and 11 outfielders in big league camp. Of the 53 players, 15 received non-roster invitations.
Saturday marks the halfway point of the Cubs Cactus League schedule. After the game against the Angels at HoHoKam, Lou Piniella’s crew will have 20 games remaining.