The Cubs made a roster move prior to Thursday’s exhibition game versus the Seattle Mariners.
The Cubs released left-handed reliever Rex Brothers.
With Thursday’s roster move, the Cubs’ 40-man roster officially stands at 39 players and the Spring Training roster was trimmed to 62 players.
The Cubs acquired Rex Brothers from the Rockies in November for minor league lefty Wander Cabrera. The Cubs avoided arbitration with Brothers by agreeing to a one-year, $1.42 million contract for the 2016 season. By releasing Brothers, the Cubs saved close to $1.188 million.
The Cubs owe Brothers 30 days of termination pay, which is $232,000.
According to Carrie Muskat, the Cubs decided to release Brothers now to give him a chance to catch on with another team.
Rex Brothers really struggled in camp and in the three Cactus League games he pitched in this spring. Brothers allowed three runs on three hits with three walks, four wild pitches and four strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.
Cubs 40-Man Roster
Pitchers
- Andury Acevedo, RHP
- Jake Arrieta, RHP
- Dallas Beeler, RHP
- Aaron Brooks, RHP
- Trevor Cahill, RHP
- Carl Edwards Jr., RHP
- Justin Grimm, RHP
- Jason Hammel, RHP
- Kyle Hendricks, RHP
- Pierce Johnson, RHP
- Eric Jokisch, LHP
- John Lackey, RHP
- Jon Lester, LHP
- Spencer Patton, RHP
- Neil Ramirez, RHP
- Clayton Richard, LHP
- C.J. Riefenhauser, LHP
- Hector Rondon, RHP
- Zac Rosscup, LHP **
- Pedro Strop, RHP
- Adam Warren, RHP
- Travis Wood, LHP
Catchers
- Willson Contreras
- Miguel Montero
- David Ross
- Kyle Schwarber
Infielders
- Arismendy Alcantara
- Javier Baez
- Kris Bryant
- Jeimer Candelario
- Tommy La Stella
- Anthony Rizzo
- Addison Russell
- Christian Villanueva
- Dan Vogelbach
- Ben Zobrist
Outfielders
- Dexter Fowler
- Jason Heyward
- Jorge Soler
- Matt Szczur
**60-Day DL
Non-Roster Invitees to Spring Training
Pitchers (13)
- Brandon Gomes, RHP
- Stephen Fife, RHP
- Jean Machi, RHP
- Drew Rucinski, RHP
- Felix Pena, RHP
- Jonathan Pettibone, RHP
- Armando Rivero, RHP
- Duane Underwood Jr., RHP
- Jack Leathersich, LHP
- Ryan Williams, RHP
- Edgar Olmos, LHP
- Aaron Crow, RHP
- Manny Parra, LHP
Catchers (2)
- Taylor Davis
- Tim Federowicz
Infielders (3)
- Jesus Guzman
- Munenori Kawasaki
- Kris Negron
Outfielders (5)
- Albert Almora Jr.
- John Andreoli
- Matt Murton
- Juan Perez
- Shane Victorino