Due to the Chicago Cubs having a roster crunch and needing an extra 40-man roster spot, Greg Deichmann was designated for assignment on April 16 to make room for LHP Locke St. John. Deichmann went unclaimed and was assigned to Triple-A Iowa on April 22.
Perhaps Greg Deichmann took the designation to heart. After clearing waivers on April 22, Deichmann initially struggled, going 4-for-36 with a .111 batting average, no home runs, two walks, and 14 strikeouts. However, since May 14, Deichmann is hitting .293 with a .333 OBP, three HRs, and seven RBI.
During Thursday’s 12-5 Iowa Cubs loss to the St. Paul Saints, Deichmann hit a two-run homer. It was his second home run in as many days and third in his last four games.
With the influx of talented players the Cubs have in the minors and the players currently on the active roster who need at-bats, it’s tough to say whether Deichmann, who was acquired in the Andrew Chafin trade, will ever find a significant role with the big league team. However, this is another reminder that players like Jason Heyward and Rafael Ortega are on the hot seat.
For the Cubs, this season is all about developing young players. Young players with controllable contracts to help supplement any offseason additions via free agency or trades. Deichmann might not fit into the team’s long-term plans, but there’s a chance he could make an impact at some point as a left-handed hitting outfielder off the bench.
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