Cubs option RHP Justin Grimm to Triple-A Iowa, LHP Brian Matusz to start Sunday’s finale with the Mariners
The Cubs announced after Saturday’s loss to the Mariners that Justin Grimm was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room on the active roster for LHP Brian Matusz.
The Cubs have an open spot on the 40-man roster, which currently stands at 39 players, and will not have to make a corresponding roster move to add Matusz to the 40-man roster.
Multiple reports prior to Saturday’s game indicated Brian Matusz would be called up to start Sunday’s game against the Mariners. The Cubs have been discussing using a six-man rotation and will implement the plan Sunday.
Brian Matusz was scheduled to start Friday for the Iowa Cubs. Matusz was scratched without an explanation from the front office. Matusz has pitched well with Iowa and in two starts he’s completed 9 1/3 innings while allowing two runs on seven hits with three walks and 11 strikeouts (1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP).
Kyle Hendricks was scheduled to start Sunday.
The Cubs are expected to address the roster moves. A report during the post-game indicated there is more attached to the decision to call up Matusz for Sunday.
Joe Maddon said after the game there “are a lot of attachments” to the decision to callup Brian Matusz and not start Kyle Hendricks. Maddon did not say or give any indications as to what those attachments are #Cubs
Will update when more information is available …
Updated 5:02pm CDT – According to Bruce Miles, the Cubs pushed everyone else back in the rotation one day. Kyle Hendricks will start Monday’s opener against the Marlins. Jason Hammel and John Lackey will start games two and three of the Marlins’ series.