Cubs Designate Brad Snyder For Assignment

After short outing by short outing from Doug Davis, and three extra inning games this past weekend it is fair to say that the Cubs bullpen is depleted.  The Cubs were bound to make roster move at some point to add another fresh arm to the bullpen. And, that is what they did today.

The Cubs announced today that outfielder Brad Snyder has been designated for assignment, and pitcher Casey Coleman will take his place on the 25 man roster. Snyder only appeared in 8 games with the Cubs having a total of 9 at bats. Synder came away with 1 hit in those 9 at bats.

Coleman, who was optioned to Iowa after the Rodrigo Lopez trade, has made two starts with the I-Cubs since his demotion. In those two starts, Coleman has an ERA of 2.31. Though he still appears to be going through some control issues as he has walked 7 in 11.2 innings of work. That was the reason Coleman was demoted in the first place, and the Cubs were hoping he could fix his control issue before calling him back up. Though considering the need for a fresh arm, Coleman was a likely candidate to be recalled.

For now, Coleman will pitch out of the bullpen. But I do not think that will be the case for too long. Doug Davis has been far from serviceable as the fifth starter, and it would make sense for the Cubs to re-install Coleman into the rotation. The Cubs intentions are that Coleman will be the permanent fill-in for Andrew Cashner in the rotation while Cashner remains sidelined.

The move also opens up a spot on the Cubs 40 man roster, potentially clearing the way for one of the Cubs prospects to be called up soon.