This is one of those days when a team takes out the trash and replaces it with fresher trash.
As expected, the Cubs activated Darwin Barney from the DL. Steve Clevenger was put on the 60 day DL to open a spot on the roster for Kameron Loe, a Mariner relief pitcher who was waived last week by Seattle. Loe was not very good in Seattle this season.
The Cubs opened up some bullpen spots by optioning Rafael Dolis to Iowa and designating lefty reliever Hinsanori Takahashi for assignment. The Cubs have 10 days to trade, release or waive Takahashi. Takahashi appeared in 3 games for the Cubs, leaving with a 6.00 ERA and 1.667 WHIP.
Kevin Gregg replaces Takahashi in the bullpen. Gregg was released from the Dodgers at the end of spring training. Gregg pitched in 40 games for Baltimore last season, going 3-2, 4.95 ERA, 0 saves, and 1.695 WHIP.
Further, the Cubs designated Brett Lillibridge for assignment. Lillibridge had one hit in 24 at-bats (.042). The Cubs then claimed from San Diego infielder Cody Ransom. Ransom, a .215 career hitter, has
played with seven teams over 10 seasons. He played in five games with
the Padres this season, going hitless in 11 at-bats. In 2012, for the Brewers he batted .196, 6 HR, 26 RBI, .93 OBP. Previously, he was with Arizona. He hit .269, 5 HR, 16 RBI.
None of these new Cub players are building blocks for the future. These are more used sandbags thrown against the rising tide of defeat.
