Chicago Cubs: La Stella to report to Double-A Tennessee soon

We knew that depth would become a problem for the Chicago Cubs sooner or later. It was only a matter of time until something was to go wrong. Or at least, someone was going to be rubbed the wrong way. Now it seems like the issue has been resolved.

Thankfully, all the pieces are back in order. It has been an interesting month for Chicago Cubs infielder Tommy La Stella, who has had one heck of a run with the North Siders. Since joining Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer’s group, La Stella has been a valuable piece to this puzzle.

By providing this lineup with a reliable bat and glove, Tommy was sitting on cloud nine, enjoying the ride like the rest of the group. That was, until, outfielder Chris Coghlan was activated from the disabled list.

A move that resulted in La Stella being optioned back to the minors. Only the 27-year-old never reported. Instead, Tommy went back home to New Jersey and continued to workout — which is a plus. But you still need to follow instructions like a professional.

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I’d like to say I admire the fact that he wants to play with the Cubs and the Cubs only. It is rare to find an individual with such loyalty to an organization. At the same time, you want them to do what is needed for the club. For him, it was to report to Iowa in late July.

We have all read and heard different opinions on the matter. So, what brings us back to La Stella after his absence? Well, according to Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon, all appears to be well and he’ll be back within the organization.

Tommy won’t report to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. He’ll find himself with the Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies. Outfielder Jorge Soler had a rehab assignment with this team prior to returning to the lineup in Oakland.

Earlier today during a radio appearance with 670 The Score, Maddon stated (via Chicago Tribune) that La Stella is expected to be with the Smokies although he did not clarify when.

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There is plenty of time for Tommy to get a handful of at-bats before the rosters expand in early September. Who knows, La Stella and Coghlan could end up fighting for a postseason roster spot when it’s time for October baseball.

Nonetheless, it is great to see that both sides of the fence managed to get over what seemed to be a large bump in the road. Hopefully, something like this can and will be avoided in the future while this team focuses on bringing home a World Series title for the first time in over 100 plus years.