The Chicago Cubs roster shuffle continued on Wednesday. The Cubs designated relief pitcher Shawn Camp for assignment, sent down pitcher Chris Rusin and added both Matt Guerrier and Pedro Strop to the 25-man roster.
Shawn Camp being DFA is overdue and should have been made weeks ago. After Camp gave up 3 runs a few days ago, we all knew the move was coming. The Cubs will DFA you if you don’t perform, just look at the Carlos Marmol situation. Manager Dale Sveum on the Camp move; “Unfortunately we had to outright Camp, which obviously wasn’t my finest day as a manager.” My guess is Camp will clear waivers and will be his decision if he wants to hit the open market or accept an assignment to Triple-A.
Chris Rusin started one game (yesterday) and was optioned back to Triple-A today. Rusin gave up 3 runs in just over 3 innings pitched. Rusin will go back to Triple-A and start. The only reason Rusin started yesterday was in the place of Scott Feldman of whom was dealt before yesterday’s game. Carlos Villanueva, when re-stetched out will head back to the starting rotation.
Matt Guerrier was added to the Cubs bullpen before today’s game. This may be Guerrier’s last chance and if he doesn’t pitch well, he may see another DFA slip. He was DFA by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week and the Cubs picked him up in the Carlos Marmol deal. Guerrier is 34-years old.
Along with Guerrier, the Cubs added Pedro Strop to the bullpen as well. Strop was great last year, but has struggled this year. If he can put it all together, he’ll be a great bullpen arm and a steal for the Cubs. The Cubs acquired him in the trade with the Baltimore Orioles yesterday.
We are only in the beginning of July and the Cubs have had many roster shakeups already … there will be more. Count on it!