A Chichago Cubs mound meeting in the second inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Dansby Swanson is the latest casualty.
The Chicago Cubs put Swanson on the 10-day IL today. Swanson has been dealing with a knee issue for some time. Frankly, he has been struggling for a while. Dansby apparently injured his knee about 13 games ago. Since then, he’s hit .159 with an OPS of 457. And he’s been hitting fifth in some of those games. Hopefully a stint on the IL and better health with result in better production.
While it looks like Nico Hoerner will slide over and play shortstop with Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni playing second, I’d like to see the Cubs try something else.
Luis Vazquez has been hitting the ball well down in Iowa and is considered and excellent glove man. I’d like to see him get some time in Chicago rather than Mastrobuoni. By now Cubs fans have an idea of what Miles can do. And it’s not that impressive.
The Cubs outfield is just getting back together
Injuries have tested the Cubs depth this whole season. While outfielder, Mike Tauchman has been a life preserver for a struggling offense, more help has been needed. Cody Bellinger has made his way back from fractured ribs and provided an immediate boost. Seiya Suzuki should be back in the lineup, which could also give the lineup a needed boost.
One guy who’s been in the lineup, but whose back has been missing is Ian Happ. Happ goes into Friday’s game against the Pirates hitting .225 with an OPS of .649 and only one home run. That’s not cutting it. And the Cubs do have options now.
Giving Tauchman more time in left field and giving Patrick Wisdom more time as DH is one option. Or, letting Pete Crow-Armstrong keep the center field job and DHing either Bellinger, Suzuki or Tauchman is another.
One player in Iowa who could be a useful addition is outfielder Owen Caissie. Cassie had a fantastic spring training and after a slow start in Iowa has picked up the pace. Caissie currently has an OPS of .852. He also plays decent defense.
Calling Cubs catchers!
The Cubs have also been hamstrung by a lack of offensive production from their catchers. Yan Gomes currently has two home runs and three RBIs with an OPS .527. Last season Yan had a healthy OPS of .723. Miguel Amaya has gotten more action behind the plate, but his bat hasn’t played very well. His OPS sits at .560. And I’m afraid those marks won’t improve much this season.
The Cubs do have a couple of catching prospects in AA who are having great offensive seasons, but don’t look for them to be in Chicago this year.
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