The Cubs are expected to announce the fourth round of spring roster cuts on Monday, and both Javier Baez and Jorge Soler will reportedly be among the minor leaguers sent down. Dale Sveum said on Saturday that at least 10 players will be cut from the Cubs’ spring roster, which currently stands at 52 players.
Dale Sveum added that only the players that are competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster will remain with the team after Monday.
Carrie Muskat reported that Christian Villanueva will also be sent down to minor league camp.
The Cubs will have to option down those players on the 40-man roster. The players in big league camp on non-roster invites will simply be re-assigned to minor league camp.
Brett Jackson
The Cubs shutdown Brett Jackson for a week after an MRI on his right (throwing shoulder) revealed some inflammation. The Cubs want Jackson to rest for at least a week. He is scheduled to be re-examined at that point.
Jackson said he is confident he will be healthy when the season starts.
Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart chose not to play in a minor league game on Saturday. Stewart is still nursing a sore quad.
Dale Sveum does not sound too thrilled with Stewart according to a report from ESPN Chicago. Stewart is expected to get some at bats on Sunday in another minor league setting. Sveum is not sure when Stewart will be able to get on the field.
Minor League Moves
According to Baseball America, the Cubs recently released five pitchers from the organization … RHP Hung-Wen Chen, RHP Arturo Maltos-Garcia, RHP Austin Urban, RHP Tony York and LHP Kyle Shepard.
Cubs News Bits
Dale Sveum said Saturday that Matt Garza threw again on flat ground on Friday. Sveum added that Garza threw from 90 feet and is progressing with his rehab. The Cubs have not put a timetable on Garza’s return.
Dale Sveum has not given Jed Hoyer a wish list of what he needs heading into the season. According to a report from Carrie Muskat, Sveum is “comfortable with the position players on the roster.”