Chicago Cubs Roster
- NL Central
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The Chicago Cubs called up outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday with outfielder Cody Bellinger (rib) landing on the 10-day injured list due to a rib fracture, according to manager Craig Counsell. Crow-Armstrong is the team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and deserves immediate waiver-wire consideration in mixed fantasy leagues, as he could take over primary center-field duties in Chicago until Bellinger is able to return. The 22-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2020 by the New York Mets was hitting just .203 (16-for-79) with two home runs, seven RBI and five stolen bases at Iowa before the call-up. He's more advanced defensively at this point than offensively, but his speed alone could make him valuable in the short-term.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger (rib) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday due to a right-rib fracture that he suffered on Tuesday when he crashed into the outfield wall at Wrigley Field, according to manager Craig Counsell. Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is being called up from the minors in a corresponding move. Initial X-rays turned up negative on Bellinger, but a CT scan found the fracture, which will cause the 28-year-old to miss at least several weeks. In the meantime, Bellinger should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. He's currently hitting .226 (19-for-84) with five home runs and 17 RBI in the first 22 games. Crow-Armstrong could see regular playing time as Chicago's center fielder until Bellinger is able to return, making him an attractive short-term waiver-wire pickup in single-year leagues.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that X-rays on outfielder Cody Bellinger (rib) were negative, but the team has to see how he is on Wednesday before they can determine how long he might be out. Bellinger left Tuesday's game early with a right-rib contusion not long after he ran into the wall in center field at Wrigley Field tracking a ball down. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if Bellinger is in the lineup against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, but most likely he will not be, and he could miss more time beyond that. For now, consider the 28-year-old lefty hitter to be day-to-day. Rookie outfielder Alexander Canario replaced Bellinger in center field on Tuesday night and could see more playing time there moving forward if Bellinger is forced to miss time.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman went 2-for-3 with a walk and four RBI in Tuesday's victory against the Houston Astros. Both of the outfielder's hits were home runs, his first and second of the season. Tauchman has been on a heater lately and has nine hits over his last 20 at-bats. For the season, Tauchman is hitting a respectable .283 with two homers and seven RBI to go along with 13 runs scored. With Seiya Suzuki (oblique) sidelined, Tauchman has gotten every day reps and has taken the most of the opportunity. As long as he keeps hitting, he is worth a look in deeper leagues. The outfielder will look to stay hot on Wednesday in a rematch against the Astros and rookie starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte recorded his first save of the season in Tuesday's victory against the Houston Astros. Almonte got the final four outs of the contest with one strikeout and no hits or walks allowed. The Cubs bullpen has been a bit of a mess in the early goings with closer Adbert Alzolay struggling to open the season, but managers should not expect Almonte to be the new closer with Alzolay still in the picture and Mark Leiter Jr. and Hector Neris ahead of him. Almonte can safely remain on the waiver wire.