Cubs Set 2016 Opening Day Roster
The Cubs made the final roster decisions Tuesday with camp winding down. Joe Maddon told Neil Ramirez, Matt Szczur and Tommy La Stella they made the Opening Day Roster and announced Javier Baez will start the season on the disabled list.
Unless something unforeseen pops up, the Cubs Opening Day Roster was set Tuesday, five days before the first game of the season Monday against the Angels in Anaheim.
The Cubs first 25-man roster consists of 13 pitchers (five starters, eight relievers) and 12 position players.
• Starting Rotation: Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks
• Bullpen: Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, Trevor Cahill, Adam Warren, Clayton Richard, Travis Wood, Neil Ramirez
• Catchers: Miguel Montero, David Ross, Kyle Schwarber
• Infielders: Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant, Tommy La Stella
• Outfielders: Jason Heyward, Dexter Fowler, Jorge Soler, Matt Szczur
Maddon plans on using Bryant in the outfield. Zobrist is the primary back-up at shortstop and should be at first base. La Stella is expected to see time at second and third base. His main job will be as a left-handed bat off the bench and Maddon’s top pinch-hitter.
Szczur gives Maddon flexibility on the bench, a true outfielder that can play all three outfield spots.
INF/OF Javier Baez will be placed on the 15-day DL with a left thumb contusion and it will be backdated to March 25. Baez has to move beyond the thumb injury before he will be cleared to play. By rule, Baez will be eligible to be activated from the disabled list on April 9. Until Baez returns to the field, a timetable cannot be given. Baez will stay behind and rehab in extended Spring Training.
Officially, the Cubs have not optioned RHP Aaron Brooks to Iowa or placed Christian Villanueva and Dallas Beeler on the disabled list. Zac Rosscup has been placed on the 60-day DL.
The Cubs will begin the season with 39 players on the 40-man roster.
Cubs 2016 Opening Day Roster
Pitchers
- Jake Arrieta, RHP
- Trevor Cahill, RHP
- Justin Grimm, RHP
- Jason Hammel, RHP
- Kyle Hendricks, RHP
- John Lackey, RHP
- Jon Lester, LHP
- Neil Ramirez, RHP
- Clayton Richard, LHP
- Hector Rondon, RHP
- Pedro Strop, RHP
- Adam Warren, RHP
- Travis Wood, LHP
Catchers
- Miguel Montero
- David Ross
- Kyle Schwarber
Infielders
- Kris Bryant
- Tommy La Stella
- Anthony Rizzo
- Addison Russell
- Ben Zobrist
Outfielders
- Dexter Fowler
- Jason Heyward
- Jorge Soler
- Matt Szczur
On Tuesday, the Cubs released INF Munenori Kawasaki, LHP Manny Parra and OF Shane Victorino and re-signed all three players to minor league contracts. Kawasaki and Parra will begin the season with Triple-A Iowa. Victorino will rehab at the Cubs facility.