Cubs promoting No. 2 prospect Pedro Ramirez prior to Astros series

Chicago Cubs third baseman Pedro Ramirez. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cubs promoting No. 2 prospect Pedro Ramirez prior to Astros series

By Andrew Wright | Last updated May 22, 2026 12:14 PM ET

A rough two week stretch for the Chicago Cubs has led to the promotion of one of the organization's top prospects.

Pedro Ramirez earns promotion by Chicago Cubs

As first reported by ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Chicago's No. 2 prospect Pedro Ramirez is being called up prior to Friday's game against the Houston Astros. Ramirez was signed by the Cubs as an international free agent in July of 2021.

Ramirez, a switch-hitting infielder, has mashed at Triple-A to begin the season. Through 170 at-bats this season, he's posted a slash line of .312/.395/.547, good for a .942 OPS with nine home runs, 40 RBI and 19 stolen bases.

In his minor league career, Ramirez has a .293 batting average 34 home runs and 102 stolen bases.

A career high nine home runs for Pedro Ramirez! pic.twitter.com/yPPdeQwIYF
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) May 10, 2026

The corresponding move

With the promotion of Ramirez, a corresponding roster move was needed. In this case for Chicago, that came in the form of utilityman Matt Shaw being placed on the injured list with back tightness.

Shaw has just one hit in 22 at-bats in May and has reached base just twice overall this month. His season average sits at just .242 after entering the month at .301 through 73 at-bats.

How much will Pedro Ramirez play?

Ramirez is not in Friday's starting lineup, meaning his opportunities may be limited. If he is on the team to fill the role of the injured Shaw, Ramirez may eventually see action in the starting lineup against left-handed pitching.

Chicago is not slated to face any left-handed starters in its series against the Astros. If Ramirez makes his debut during the weekend, it'll likely be in some type of role off the bench.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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