The Cubs announced Wednesday that RHP Jose Veras was activated from the 15-day DL and LHP Zac Rosscup was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder soreness. The Cubs backdated Rosscup’s trip to the DL to May 10.
Jose Veras was placed on the DL on April 26, retroactive to April 25, with a strained left oblique. Veras said at the time he hoped that his time on the disabled list would not only gave his sore oblique a chance to heal, but he would also be able to hit the reset button on his season. Veras reported to Double-A Tennessee and began his rehab assignment on May 6.
This season has been a struggle from day one for Jose Veras. A rough Spring Training carried into the regular season and the veteran right hander allowed 10 runs on six hits with 10 walks, five strikeouts and three HBP in 5 2/3 innings (six appearances). Veras pitched in four games for the Smokies and surrendered one hit with three strikeouts and two walks in 4 2/3 innings.
Zac Rosscup has the stuff to be a successful big league reliever. Jed Hoyer said Rosscup has been feeling the soreness in his left shoulder “warming up lately.” Rosscup will see Dr. Stephen Gryzlo to determine the extent of the injury or if it is just general soreness.
Rosscup was on the shuttle between Iowa and Chicago. Rosscup had already been recalled three times this season and he was very good in four appearances out of the Cubs’ pen. Rosscup did not surrender a run and gave up only one hit in four innings with two walks and five strikeouts.
With Rosscup on the shelf and Veras back in the pen, Rick Renteria will have the following eight relievers to call on for now: Hector Rondon, Neil Ramirez, Justin Grimm, Carlos Villanueva, Jose Veras, Brian Schlitter, Wesley Wright and James Russell.
The Cubs have not said if Jose Veras will be used in save situations, but it is likely that Rick Renteria will ease Veras back into the mix then try to build his trade value over the next six weeks.