The Chicago Cubs have had quite the unfortunate week.
From the heartbreaking death of legendary second baseman Ryne Sandberg to a disappointing series loss against the division rival Milwaukee Brewers, it has been a rough week.
The bad news just keeps coming with the announcement of left fielder Ian Happ expected to hit the injured list after leaving Tuesday’s games.
That injury news has, though, opened the door for the promotion of top catching Moises Ballesteros for the second time this season.
The injury/promotion news was reported late Tuesday night by Cubs writer Jesse Rogers.
Ballesteros was promoted to the major leagues and made his MLB debut in May. He spent just one week with the big league club before being sent back to Triple-A Iowa to continue to get every day at-bats.
He’s performed phenomenal with the Iowa Cubs this season to the tune of a .332/.393.496 slash line in 337 minor league at-bats this season.
His first stint in the majors earlier this season did not go well, as Ballesteros was just 3-for-16 (.188) and did not really have much of an impact in any of the five games he appeared in.
As he did the first time he was promoted, Ballesteros will most likely be the designated hitter for Chicago on an everyday basis until Happ returns from his injury.
Ballesteros’ promotion also signals that he is almost certain to not be traded prior to Thursday’s trade deadline.
It was very telling that the Cubs front office opted to promote a catcher/designated hitter to replace an injured outfielder rather than promoting their top prospect Owen Caissie, who is an outfielder.
That decision could very well mean that team president Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins have made the decision and are more willing to trade away Caissie rather than Ballesteros.
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