The Chicago Cubs have reinstated pitcher Brandon Hughes from the 15-day injured list and sent Nelson Velázquez to Triple-A Iowa in the corresponding move.
With Seiya Suzuki back, there will now be less playing time in the outfield. Velázquez was a casualty of that outfield crunch as he needs playing time as often as possible.
Just a few days ago Velázquez launched a grand slam to take an 8-7 lead over the Seattle Mariners. Talk about dramatic. So his demotion will be a hard one to swallow for fans.
However, Hughes is a lefty, a much needed commodity in Chicago's bullpen. He is returning from knee inflammation that kept him out of the final weeks of spring training.
It probably won't be long until we see Velázquez again as Cody Bellinger is due to miss some time on the paternity list. That will open a spot, at least for a few days.
More must-reads: