Cubs Recall Kevin Alcantara to Boost Bench

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Cubs Recall Kevin Alcantara to Boost Bench

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated May 23, 2026 1:58 PM ET

Amidst a six-game losing streak and some really cold bats, the Chicago Cubs have made some roster moves during the current series against the Houston Astros. After calling up Pedro Ramirez on Friday , the Cubs are doubling down and calling up one of their top prospects on Saturday. Per reports, Kevin Alcantara has been recalled by the organization ahead of Saturday’s game. He is not in the lineup, but should be available off the bench.

Per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Nicky Lopez has been designated for assignment to make room for Alcantara on the 26-man roster. Lopez was acquired back in April from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations.

The team is in desperate need for an offensive spark. Manager Craig Counsell completed flipped the lineup on its head for Saturday’s game. Pete Crow-Armstrong will lead off, Nico Hoerner will bat fourth, and Ian Happ gets a day off with Michael Conforto roaming left field.

As noted before, Alcantara and the recently-recalled Ramirez are both on the bench for Saturday’s game. However, Moises Ballesteros draws into the lineup. That said, another dud from the offense on Saturday could lead to a first career start for Ramirez and a season debut for Alcantara on Sunday.

In the minors, Alcantara clubbed an impressive 15 home runs and 32 RBIs over 41 games with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. The strikeouts are a bit of a problem (60 in 41 games), but the Cubs need a jolt. Alcantara certainly has the power to do just that as the rest of the team’s roster skids in the month of May.

Colin Rea will do battle against Kai-Wei Teng on Saturday as the Cubs host the Astros for the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: