Ahead of the series finale between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals , the Cubs made a roster move impacting their bullpen. After hitting the IL with COVID-19, LHP Steven Brault has been activated. To make room on the roster, RHP Anderson Espinoza has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Brault spent the early portion of the season on the IL while rehabbing a tricep injury. However, he was activated roughly one month ago and pitched well before returning to the IL. The 30-year-old south paw has yet to allow a run in five appearances and 5.2 innings of work. He has yielded three walks and three hits while striking out five.
As for Espinoza, the right-hander has been up and down with the Cubs more than once this season. Acquired last season, the righty was once a top prospect in baseball. That said, he has still been serviceable for the Cubs. The 24-year-old has pitched 15.2 innings over six appearances. In addition, he has a 4.11 ERA and 15 strikeouts, but 13 walks to combat those numbers.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Cubs and Nationals conclude their three-game set at 12:05 p.m. CDT at Nationals Park. Following this series, the Cubs travel to Baltimore for a makeup game with the Orioles on Thursday before returning to Wrigley Field on Friday for a three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers.
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