The Cubs announced Tuesday the team released OF Ryan Sweeney.
The Cubs designated Ryan Sweeney for assignment Sunday prior to submitting the first roster of the season. Sweeney struggled in Spring Training and was outplayed by Matt Szczur. The team also decided to begin the year with an extra infielder, selected the contract of Jonathan Herrera and added him to the 40-man roster.
With Ryan Sweeney no longer in the organization, the Cubs’ 40-man roster officially stands at 39 players.
The Cubs signed Ryan Sweeney to a two-year, $3.5 million contract in October of 2013 that included a club option for 2016 worth $2.5 million and included a $500,000 buyout. So the Cubs are on the hook to Sweeney for $2 million.
Ryan Sweeney batted .266/.324/.448 in 70 games for the Cubs in 2013 with 13 doubles, two triples and six home runs for a .772 OPS in 70 games. Sweeney dealt with injuries last season and played in only 77 games.
Sweeney hit .251/.304/.338 during his second season with the Cubs. Sweeney collected nine doubles and three home runs for a .642 OPS.
In his two seasons with the Cubs, Sweeney put together a .258/.313/.391 line with 22 doubles, two triples and nine home runs for a .704 OPS.