The Cubs announced two roster moves Monday afternoon.
OF Matt Szczur was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. And to make room on the 25-man roster, LHP Clayton Richard was designated for assignment.
With the two roster moves, the Cubs’ 40-man roster currently stands at 38 players and the 25-man roster consists of 13 pitchers (five starters, eight relievers) and 12 position players.
Clayton Richard picked up the win Sunday in Milwaukee after allowing one run in six innings. Richard also drove in a run with a double. Richard made the trip with the Cubs to Pittsburgh to give the front office and coaching staff additional time to discuss options to keep him with the team.
Jed Hoyer said Monday the front office would like for Richard to stay in the organization.
Clayton Richard was 2-0 in four games, three starts, with a 4.29 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 4.18 FIP. As a starter, Richard posted two win in three starts with a 3.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Richard gave up six runs on 17 hits with two walks and eight strikeouts in 18 innings.
The Cubs were able to re-sign Richard after he was designated for assignment the last time. A report from the Sun-Times indicated the Cubs might lose him to a team that can offer a better opportunity in the majors if he was designated for assignment.
Matt Szczur has appeared in 32 games in the big leagues this year. Szczur has hit .211/.246/.316 with three doubles and a home run for a .562 OPS. Szczur will be able to help the Cubs for the next three days, especially in the field. Szczur should be optioned by down when Miguel Montero is activated Thursday.
Matt Szczur has excelled at the Triple-A level this year. In 58 games with the I-Cubs, Szczur has hit .295/.360/.451 with 10 doubles, two triples and 10 home runs for a .811 OPS.