Cubs Roster Moves: Camp, Rusin, and Sappelt

With the flurry of trades and international signings hogging the headlines to kick off the month of July, there are a few in house roster moves that need to be noted as well. Chris Rusin was called up on Tuesday and took the start for the traded Scott Feldman. The young lefty spent some time with the Cubs last season and was working on three days rest.

Rusin’s time with the 2013 North Siders was brief, as he was sent right back down Wednesday to make room for newly acquired relievers Matt Guerrier and Pedro Strop. The other player removed from the 25 man roster to make space for the new duo was Shawn Camp. The rubber armed righty was a waiver wire blessing after Spring Training in 2012, but the veteran failed to even come close to that level of reliable production this season. Camp has been plagued by the long ball this season, allowing seven in just 23 innings of work. To put that into perspective, he allowed the exact amount last year, but spread over 77 2/3 innings of work.

Jun 30, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shawn Camp (54) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the 8th inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Camp earned praise from manager Dale Sveum when the reliever’s release was announced, but there is no getting around the bad numbers. His early season struggles were attributed to a toe injury that affected his ability to push off the mound rubber, but his return since then has not been much better. His last memory as a Cub unfortunately involves a pair of homers served up to the Mariners that nearly cost the Cubs the game.

Dave Sappelt returns to the Cubs to replace the injured Ryan Sweeney, who will be recovering from a broken rib on the 60 day disabled list. Sappelt failed as the platoon lead off man against left handed pitchers and continues the interesting decision by the Cubs to carry six outfielders since the addition of Pedro Borbon.

Stay tuned in to Cubbies Crib as the wheeling and dealing is far from over for the Cubs this month. With the trades will come more roster moves to replace the departed players. As unenjoyable a losing season is, there certainly should be excitement this month as the front office takes additional steps towards the long term goal of being a perennial contender.