The Cubs announced two roster moves Sunday that impact the 40-man roster, not the active NLDS roster.
The Cubs selected the contract of catcher Taylor Teagarden from Triple-A Iowa and added him to the 40-man roster. In order to create a spot for on the roster for Teagarden, the Cubs designated LHP Tsuyoshi Wada for assignment.
With the two moves, the Cubs’ 40-man roster stands at 40 players.
Veteran catcher Taylor Teagarden spent the entire season in the Cubs’ organization. Teagarden reported to the team’s facility in Mesa after the minor league season ended in order to stay ready in case he was needed in the majors again.
Teagarden played in eight games for the Cubs and batted .200/.200/.200 (3-for-15) with two RBI and a .400 OPS. Teagarden was called up on July 4 to take David Ross’ spot on the active roster when he was placed on the 7-day DL with a concussion. Teagarden delivered the game winning hit against Aroldis Chapman on July 22. Teagarden was designated for assignment on Aug. 2 and was outrighted to Iowa on Aug. 4.
Taylor Teagarden hit .305/.379/.452 in 63 games for the Iowa Cubs. Teagarden had 12 doubles, a triple and five home runs for a .831 OPS.
• Taylor Teagarden’s Page on Baseball-Reference
The Cubs re-signed LHP Tsuyoshi Wada last off-season for one-year and $4 million. Wada reported to Spring Training prepared to compete for a spot in the Cubs’ rotation. Wada was slowed by injuries to his lower half and started the season on the 15-day DL with a mild left groin strain. Wada spent a majority of his year with Iowa and made only seven starts with the Cubs.
In 16 starts for Iowa, Wada was 4-5 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. Dr. K allowed 44 runs, 38 earned, on 93 hits with 26 walks and 62 strikeouts in 86 2/3 innings.
Wada was 1-1 in eight games, seven starts, with a 3.62 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Wada’s best start came against the Indians on June 17. The Cubs rocked Cleveland 17-0 and Wada proclaimed he was a badass after his outing. Wada allowed four hits with two walks and six strikeouts over seven shutout innings. Wada left his next start against the Dodgers with left deltoid inflammation (left shoulder), went to the DL and finished the minor league season with Iowa. Wada was officially activated on Aug. 4 and optioned to Triple-A.
Wada was called up in September when the roster expanded and appeared in just one game for one inning (Diamondbacks, Sept. 4).
Tsuyoshi Wada pitched in 21 games and made 20 starts over two seasons in the majors with the Cubs. Wada was 5-5 with a 3.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 3.94 FIP (42 runs, 38 earned, on 97 hits with 30 walks and 88 strikeouts in 101 2/3 innings).
• Tsuyoshi Wada’s Page on Baseball-Reference