The Cubs announced the sixth round of spring roster cuts Wednesday morning.
RHP Brian Schlitter, LHP Zac Rosscup and OF Junior Lake were optioned to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs officially reduced the Spring Training roster to 32 players.
The Cubs spring roster officially stands at 32 players, but four players are dealing with injuries. RHP Jacob Turner, LHP Tsuyoshi Wada and RHP Dallas Beeler are expected to start the year on the disabled list.
OF Chris Denorfia could also start the year on the disabled list. Denorfia reportedly tested the hamstring Wednesday morning under medical supervision that sidelined him earlier this month.
Reports Wednesday afternoon indicated it’s between Matt Szczur, Ryan Sweeney and Jonathan Herrera for the last two spots on the roster.
The Cubs’ spring roster now consists of 32 players … 16 pitchers, four catchers, six infielders and six outfielders. Of the 32 players still officially in camp, two are non-roster invitees.
The Cubs have optioned ten players to the minor leagues in the first six rounds of roster cuts that are currently on the 40-man roster: RHP Brian Schlitter, LHP Zac Rosscup, OF Junior Lake, INF Javier Baez, LHP Eric Jokisch, RHP Blake Parker, LHP Joseph Ortiz, RHP C.J. Edwards, INF Christian Villanueva and C Rafael Lopez.
The Cubs have officially optioned or re-assigned 28 players to minor league camp. 18 players in camp on non-roster invites have been re-assigned to minor league side: 3B/OF Kris Bryant, SS Addison Russell, RHP Pierce Johnson, RHP Corey Black, RHP Armando Rivero, RHP Donn Roach, LHP Hunter Cervenka, INF Logan Watkins, OF Albert Almora, RHP Daniel Bard, 1B/OF Mike Baxter, LHP Francisley Bueno, RHP Anthony Carter, OF Adron Chambers, RHP Jorge De Leon, RHP Gonzalez Germen, C Kyle Schwarber and INF/OF Chris Valaika.
40-Man Roster
Pitchers
- Jake Arrieta, RHP (49)
- Dallas Beeler, RHP (32)
- Drake Britton, LHP (66)
- Phil Coke, LHP (27)
- Justin Grimm, RHP (52)
- Jason Hammel, RHP (39)
- Kyle Hendricks, RHP (28)
- Edwin Jackson, RHP (36)
- Jon Lester, LHP (34)
- Jason Motte, RHP (30)
- Neil Ramirez, RHP (54)
- Hector Rondon, RHP (56)
- Pedro Strop, RHP (46)
- Jacob Turner, RHP (38)
- Tsuyoshi Wada, LHP (18)
- Travis Wood, LHP (37)
Catchers
- Welington Castillo (5)
- Miguel Montero (47)
- David Ross (3)
Infielders
- Arismendy Alcantara (7)
- Starlin Castro (13)
- Tommy La Stella (11)
- Mike Olt (20)
- Anthony Rizzo (44)
Outfielders
- Chris Coghlan (8)
- Chris Denorfia (15)
- Dexter Fowler (24)
- Jorge Soler (68)
- Ryan Sweeney (6)
- Matt Szczur (41)
Non-Roster Invitees
Pitchers
- None
Catchers
- Taylor Teagarden (12)
Infielders
- Jonathan Herrera (19)
Outfielders
- None
The Cubs still have to make a decision on LHP Drake Britton. The lefty is out of options. The front office could be trying to sneak him through waivers. If Jonathan Herrera makes the team, a spot on the 40-man roster will have to be created in order to add him. The Cubs 40-man roster currently stands at 40 players after the addition of LHP Phil Coke.