Cubs Roster Moves: Madrigal Activated, Brault to Covid IL, and More

Nick Madrigal Activated

With the earlier report of Cubs’ second baseman Nick Madrigal traveling with the team to St. Louis today, it’s no surprise to see him activated from the injured list.

After dealing with a couple of IL stints so far this season, the latest of which was a groin issue that kept him out for almost two months, it’s good to see Madrigal back on the roster. No, he hasn’t had the best season so far. But with two months left in the campaign, he still has time to finish the season strong. He will look to bounce back from the IL and be the contact hitter and on-base machine that he’s already proven capable of.

Steven Brault Heads to Covid IL

The Cubs announced on Tuesday that left-handed pitcher Steven Brault is headed to the COVID-19 IL.

Brault has kicked off his Cubs career on a high note so far. In five appearances out of the bullpen, the lefty has given up zero runs in 5.2 innings pitched with five strikeouts, three hits, and three walks.

Brault signed with the Cubs in the offseason but spent the majority of the year on the IL with a triceps injury. After working his way back to the Cubs’ roster in July, he’s proven in his short time to be a reliable arm from the pen. Hopefully this is just a minor setback and we see Brault return very soon.

Cubs Recall Pair of RHPs from Triple-A Iowa

With Brault heading to the IL, as well as a few former bullpen pieces being traded, the Cubs recalled Michael Rucker and Anderson Espinoza from Triple-A Iowa.

In 15 games with the Cubs so far this season, Rucker has thrown 24 innings with 24 strikeouts, eight walks, and posted a 5.25 ERA. Espinoza has appeared in just three games so far this year but has posted a 2.79 ERA with 10 strikeouts, nine walks, and four hits in 9.2 innings pitched.

Kervin Castro Claimed from San Francisco

Finally, the Chicago Cubs have claimed RHP Kervin Castro off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

After sending away four bullpen arms at the trade deadline, it’s no surprise the organization is looking to add as much depth to the pitching staff as they can. Castro will likely be a bullpen option for the Cubs, but for now, he has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

So far in his short career, Castro has appeared in 12 games while posting a career 3.00 ERA with 17 strikeouts, six walks, and a 10.2 K/9 in 15 innings pitched. This season hasn’t been kind to him so far (27.00 ERA), but he’s only appeared in two games. The 23-year-old righty will look to prove he’s a reliable arm in the minors and be a productive bullpen arm for the Cubs.