Ivy League Cubs

By: Jake Russell

The Cubs started the weekend by sending down Matt Mervis, and recalling Miles Mastrobouni from AAA Iowa. 

This was pretty easy to see coming, but also sad as it’s the second MLB stint for Matt Mervis that has resulted in a demotion to AAA. He hit just .115 and had a -14 wRC+ (granted, in just 28 PA’s), but hopefully he’ll be able to figure it out at AAA. 

Mastrobouni was hitting .231/.318/.436 for a 93 wRC+ at AAA, but adds defensive versatility and speed that Mervis didn’t possess much of. Mastrobouni already spent a decent portion of the season on the MLB roster, though he had just 13 PA’s. He’s probably a decent candidate along with Canario to get demoted once Bellinger and Seiya are back.

Speaking of Belli and Seiya, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said today that both players could be back within the end of the week. 

This would be huge to get the both of them back. The Cubs offense has been scuffling a bit as of late, hitting for just a 77 team wRC+ since the Boston Series started. Suzuki had a 152 wRC+ and .349 xwOBA before getting injured, and has arguably been the team’s best hitter, while Bellinger had a 108 wRC+ and a .328 xwOBA. 

Justin Steele is also expected to start on Monday in the series opener against the San Diego Padres, against former Cub Yu Darvish. It will be Steele’s first start since he got hurt on Openind Day attempting to field a bunt down the first base line. 

Steele pitched just one rehab start in Iowa, said he felt good, then pitched a bullpen today at Wrigley Field. It will be great to get him back, and also likely add some length to the bullpen. It’s probable that one of Ben Brown or Hayden Wesneski returns to a bullpen role. 

Picture Credit: Quinn Harris, Getty Images