On the day gold glove 2nd baseman Darwin Barney returns to the line-up, general manager Jed Hoyer announces numerous roster moves:
*Like we all know by now, the Cubs have activated Darwin Barney off the 15-day DL today and he will bat 7th in today’s game.
*The Cubs have designated Brett Lillibridge for assignment today. I’ve been saying the Cubs should think about making this move and they went though with it. Lillibridge has been awful for the Cubs, having 1 hit out of 24-at-bats. He could still stay in the Cubs organization if he clears waivers and accepts the assignment to Triple A.
*The Cubs have also designated Hisanori Takahashi for assignment as well. This moves surprises me a little, but not too much. Takahashi hasn’t had much action this year and has given up 2 runs in 3 innings. The main reason he made the ‘pen was because he’s a lefty and can pitch out of long-relief. Just like Lillibridge, he could play for Iowa Cubs if he clears waivers and accepts the assignment.
*The Cubs have added Kemeron Low to the active roster. He was claimed off of waivers on Sunday from the Toronto Blue Jays. Loe has struggled lately, but the Cubs like his veteran presence and Dale Sveum knows Low from his time in Milwaukee. He will be available for today’s game.
*The Cubs have a familiar face back … Kevin Gregg. The Cubs purchased his contract and he will be available for today’s game. He will not be the closer … for now at least. Gregg had a very good spring, but was eventually released by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs signed him to a minor-league deal yesterday.
* The Cubs have claimed Cody Ransom off of waivers from the San Diego Padres. Ransom has no hits on the season and is 0-11. But Hoyer likes his defense and his versatility. We could see him share time at 3B with Luis Valbuena, until Ian Stewart returns at least. Ransom will be at Wrigley Field for tonight’s game.
Hoyer said the Cubs have under-performed and why many roster moves were made today.