Overview
- The Chicago Cubs placed utilityman Matt Shaw and reliever Ethan Roberts on the injured list on Monday, creating two immediate roster openings.
- Shaw was diagnosed with a sprained left hand and the club said there is optimism he could be swinging a bat by the weekend if swelling and inflammation subside.
- Roberts was put on the IL for right forearm and elbow inflammation and is the latest in a growing list of injured Cubs pitchers, increasing late-inning workload concerns.
- To fill the vacancies the Cubs recalled outfielder Kevin Alcántara and right-hander Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa and will give veteran Michael Conforto more regular time in right field.
- The team has endured several recent pitching injuries that have thinned the bullpen, a situation that could prompt further short-term call-ups, heavier use of remaining relievers, and tactical lineup changes against upcoming opponents.