Cubs Roster Moves: Caratini Returns; Gimenez DFA’d; Duensing to DL

The Chicago Cubs have made a number of roster moves in the first few days of July with an eye toward the second half of the 2018 season.

On July 1, RP Brian Duensing was placed on the 10-day DL with a diagnosis of left shoulder fatigue, although some fans suspect this is really a case of phantom DL usage due to the lefty’s recent string of bad outings.

RP Dillon Maples, known for his nasty slider, was recalled from AAA Iowa to take Duensing’s place on the big-league roster.

On July 4, C Victor Caratini, who was the backup catcher for the Cubs on Opening Day but ended up being sent down to AAA in favor of veteran C Chris Gimenez, was recalled to the big-league squad. Gimenez, who was hitting a woeful .143/.219/.143, was designated for assignment. However, he is due credit for having a sense of humor about his difficulties this year.

INF Kris Bryant, who was placed on the 10-day DL on June 23 with left shoulder inflammation, was not activated when eligible on Wednesday as he continued to feel shoulder discomfort after taking batting practice prior to Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Cubs manager Joe Maddon expects the 2016 NL MVP may be activated for Friday’s game, depending on how he is feeling.

RP Carl Edwards, Jr., who has been on the DL since the end of May with right shoulder inflammation, made a second rehab appearance with AAA Iowa on Monday and is expected to make a third appearance. He has not worked a full inning during either of his appearances so far and was wild during his stint in Monday’s game. However, his physical status is fine according to Maddon. Dillon Maples will likely be reassigned to Iowa once Edwards is cleared to return.

The Cubs will be closing their eight-game homestand with a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds beginning on Friday at 2:20 PM ET (Tickets – SeatGeek). The Cubs are looking to continue their current winning streak, which was extended to a season-high six games with Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers, and even up the division race with the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.