According to Jesse Rogers, the Cubs recalled Kyle Schwarber to the majors and sent John Lackey to the 10-day disabled list. Schwarber will get a chance to contribute in four games. The Cubs have a makeup game against the Brewers, and then host the Pirates before the All-Star Game next week.
Kyle Schwarber reunion
Schwarber was hitting .171 before he was sent down to Triple-A Iowa. In his time down in the minors, Schwarber hit .343 and hit four home runs. The move likely means that Jon Jay and Schwarber will split time in left field. The move might be a surprise to some Cub fans due to only four games remaining until the break.
Jay has hit well while Schwarber was gone. He was hitting .268 and hit his second home run of the year yesterday in a pinch hit role. Schwarber was listed as batting fifth in today's lineup against the Brewers.
Lackey's injury
Lackey had pitched six innings yesterday in a no-decision but was rumored to have an injury after the 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Lackey was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The move comes at a good time as Lakey was not slated to pitch again in the first half.
Lackey hasn't been the starter he was last year. He sports a 5.20 Earned Run Average and is 5-9 on the season. Lackey was roughed up for three runs yesterday. He gave up eight runs in the start before that. It's possible that the injury has played a role in his recent starts which makes the All-Star break very good timing.
Other Cubs Moves
Jason Heyward was activated from the 10-day disabled list two days ago. The Cubs sent Jeimer Candelario and Felix Pena back down to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs called up Jack Leathersich to fill the other roster spot.
The Cubs have also been linked to Justin Verlander and Alex Avila in trade rumors. The Cubs are in search of a starting pitcher.
Verlander finished second in the Cy Young voting last season but has an earned run average over five. Avila has been the Tiger's most consistent hitter but could play a backup role.
The Cubs already have Wilson Contreras as a starter, but don't have a reliable backup. Victor Caratini was up. Schwarber has been inconsistent, and the Cubs waived Miguel Montero, who was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Cubs have been linked to Chris Archer from the Rays, but it might cost the Cubs a player like Eloy Jimenez or Ian Happ. Both seem to be off the table. A player like Addison Russell would have to make up for compensation.
