The Cubs announced the seventh round of spring roster cuts on Sunday morning. The Cubs optioned RHP Neil Ramirez to Triple-A Iowa. Ramirez was in the mix for a spot in the bullpen after throwing the ball extremely well this spring. In five appearances, Ramirez did not allow a run while surrendering just two hits with no walks and three strikeouts (0.00 ERA, 0.40 WHIP). At this point it is unclear if Ramirez will be stretched back out as a starter or if he will stay a reliever during his optional assignment with Iowa.
With Sunday’s roster move, the Cubs spring roster officially stands at 36 players.
Depending on what the Cubs decide to do with the fifth spot in the rotation, there will be either two or three spots in the pen for Hector Rondon, Justin Grimm and Alberto Cabrera to fill. If Chris Rusin starts the season in the rotation, Carlos Villanueva would take one of the three spots. If Rusin is optioned to Iowa, all three relievers should join Jose Veras, Pedro Strop, James Russell and Wesley Wright on Opening Day in the Cubs’ bullpen.
Spring Roster Moves
Optioned to the Minors
- Arismendy Alcantara, IF (Triple-A)
- Logan Watkins, IF (Triple-A)
- Matt Szczur, OF (Triple-A)
- Dallas Beeler, RHP (Triple-A)
- Jorge Soler, OF (Double-A)
- Arodys Vizcaino, RHP (Triple-A)
- Brett Jackson, OF (Triple-A)
- Josh Vitters, OF/IF (Triple-A)
- Zac Rosscup, LHP (Triple-A)
- Christian Villanueva, 3B (Triple-A)
- Blake Parker, RHP (Triple-A)
- Neil Ramirez, RHP (Triple-A)
Reassigned to Minor League Camp
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Albert Almora, OF
- Carlos Pimentel, RHP
- Jeudy Valdez, IF
- Marcus Hatley, RHP
- Eric Jokisch, LHP
- Kyle Hendricks, RHP
- Rafael Lopez, C
- Armando Rivero, RHP
- Mitch Maier, OF
- Tommy Hottovy, LHP
- Javier Baez, IF
- Brian Schlitter, RHP
- Jonathan Sanchez, LHP
- Chang-Yong Lim, RHP
- Chris Valaika, IF
- Casper Wells, OF
Released
- Aaron Cunningham, OF