While the Chicago Cubs front office has held back on giving top prospects a crack at the big leagues to begin the season, it has been for the better. It took Pete Crow-Armstrong a little bit to find his footing at the major league level, and some might say he is still working through the kinks in his first full season.
Along with figuring out where to have each highly ranked prospect to begin the season, the Cubs have struggled piecing together a consistent bullpen. The unit couldn’t hold onto a 3-1 lead in Monday night’s series opener against the Padres at Petco Park, and fans continue to pound the table over addressing the part of the team that has held the team back for the past couple of seasons.
The club announced a few roster moves prior to Tuesday’s tilt with the Padres, which includes a former first-round draft pick heading back to Triple-A.
Chicago Cubs option Matt Shaw to Triple-A
Per reports, Matt Shaw has been sent down to Triple-A after starting the season as Chicago’s third baseman. The 23-year-old has struggled mightily at the plate to begin his big league career as he has hit .172 with a .535 OPS in 18 games this season. He has one homer and three runs driven in and has struck out 18 times in 58 at-bats.
It’s disappointing to see Shaw head back down to Iowa after having a solid camp, but having him try to find his swing again in Triple-A was necessary for the organization to do. Relief pitchers Luke Little and Daniel Palencia have been recalled as well, with another corresponding move expected to be announced by the club before the first pitch on Tuesday.