Report: Cubs DFA Vidal Bruján

The Cubs have reportedly DFA’d utility man, Vidal Bruján. They did this in response to recalling C/DH Moisés Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. The final move they made in this roster change was reinstating Porter Hodge from the injured list to Triple-A. This leaves them with some decisions to make before the deadline this Thursday.

Report: Cubs DFA Vidal Bruján

At first, it was reported that Ballesteros was recalled after Ian Happ was sent to the IL, but that was not the case. Happ took a foul ball to the shin yesterday, but X-rays returned negative. Instead, Bruján was DFA’d so Ballesteros could be called up. In 45 at-bats this year from Vidal Bruján, he has a .523 OPS and a -0.4 WAR. He is a good representation of the Cubs’ struggling bench this year. Ballesteros has only hit .188 in the majors this year, but has a tiny sample size of 18 plate appearances. On the other hand, in Triple-A this year, he is hitting .332 with a .889 OPS. He has the potential to be a great hitter in the MLB if he can find his footing.

The interesting thing about this roster move is that two roster spots remain open. This begs the question of what the Cubs plan to do with those two remaining spots. With the trade deadline a day away, they are bound to make a few moves. Additionally, some were questioning the fact that Cubs #1 prospect, Owen Caissie, was not called up. This could be what the Cubs thought was best, but it may also signify the possibility of Caissie being traded within the next day. Even though the asking price for most pitchers is high, the Cubs are expected to get 1-2 starters along with 1-2 relievers. These roster moves could be a gateway into making some of those trades to try to bolster their rotation and bullpen.