What was supposed to be a two-day taste of the big leagues has turned into a little more for Arismendy Alcantara. After the dust settled on the announcement that Anthony Rizzo won the fan vote and will join Starlin Castro on the National League All-Star team, the Cubs optioned RHP Kyle Hendricks to Iowa and said Arismendy Alcantara will stay on the Major League roster.
Arismendy Alcantara made the most of what was supposed to be two days in the big leagues. Alcantara followed up a 0-for-4 debut Wednesday night with a 4-for-5 performance Thursday that included a double, a triple, three RBI, two runs scored and a sacrifice fly. Alcantara drove in three of the Cubs six runs Thursday and scored two of the other three. Alcantara was in the middle of each of the four innings the Cubs put runs on the board.
Darwin Barney is expected to be activated from the Paternity Leave List prior to Friday’s game. And to make room for Barney on the active roster, Kyle Hendricks has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
With the All-Star break, the Cubs do not need a fourth or fifth starter until July 22. By optioning Dallas Beeler and Kyle Hendricks down Thursday, the Cubs will be able to recall both pitchers by the time a starter outside of Jake Arrieta, Edwin Jackson and Travis Wood is needed.