2026 Transactios: Cubs Promote Alcantara, Garcia & Lopez DFA’d

Thanks to injuries and other circumstances, the Cubs have shaken up the roster in recent days. One day after the team called up prospect Pedro Ramirez from Triple-A Iowa, Kevin Alcantara joined him.

Alcantara back with big-league club

The Cubs recalled Kevin Alcantara on May 23. He went 0-1 with a strikeout off the bench for the Cubs against the Astros.

Alcantara was promoted as the co-International League home run hitter with 15 on the season, tied with White Sox infielder Jacob Gonzalez. Still, there’s been a lot of swing-and-miss in his game. The outfield prospect struck out 60 times over 41 contests.

Crim back with Rangers

Former Rockie Blaine Crim was claimed off waivers by the Rangers, the team he was with in 2025 before Colorado picked him up.

Crim was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.

Recalls & options

Ryan Fernandez (Cardinals), Jonathan Pintaro (Mets), Jordan Leasure (White Sox), Chase Petty, and Zach Maxwell (Reds) were recalled from Triple-A.

Zach Thornton (Mets), Jose Franco, and Connor Phillips (Reds) were optioned to Triple-A.

Other notes

The Yankees signed pitcher Peter Strzelecki to a Minor League deal.

Minnesota designated pitcher Luis Garcia for assignment. Additionally, the team released pitcher Justin Topa.

The Cubs designated infielder Nicky Lopez for assignment.

And one more note from the 22nd: the Angels optioned outfielder Josh Lowe to Triple-A Salt Lake.