Cubs Roster Moves: Gonzalez Dealt, Stewart, Dolis Down, Fujikawa Healthy, Loe Gone

The time has come to get caught up on some of the roster moves the Cubs have made in recent days. If you have been keeping up with the series against the Nationals this weekend, then you are already aware that Kyuji Fujikawa has been activated off of the disabled list. The corresponding move was sending Rafael Dolis back down to Iowa.

It was assumed since his call up to replace Kameron Loe last week that Dolis was just keeping a bullpen seat warm for Fujikawa’s eventual return. Like his prior call up earlier this season, the righty Dolis only made one appearance, eating up 1 1/3 innings in the blowout win over the Rangers on May 6th. Fujikawa made two rehab assignment appearances, one each with Iowa and Tennessee, tossing a total of three innings without allowing any runs.

Apr 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa (11) reacts after getting the last out against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of Loe, the tall right handed pitcher elected free agency over an assignment to Iowa. The waiver claim from Seattle has signed a minor league deal with the Braves after pitching 8 1/3 innings for the Cubs with five earned runs allowed.

Another item of note is that Ian Stewart was outrighted to Iowa after clearing waivers. This effectively removes the Cubs third baseman from the 40 man roster as he struggles to work his way back from injury. The North Siders will still pay Stewart the $2 million salary agreed upon in the off season. A move had to be made as Stewarts rehab time limit had been maxed out. Up until the time of the roster move, Stewart had gone a disappointing 4 for 46 in 15 minor league games, casting doubt as to the odds of the former Rockie returning being able to make his way back to Wrigley Field in 2013. The veteran left handed bat is also behind prospect Josh Vitters on the Iowa third base depth chart, further highlighting just how low his status has fallen. However, with Stewart no longer occupying a 40 man roster spot, keeping him around for depth would not be considered extra baggage. The positive hopes still expressed from the Cubs front office, on the other hand, may just be lip service to continue to try to justify the trading away of Tyler Colvin to Colorado.

To round out the list of transactions, second baseman Alberto Gonzalez was traded to the Yankees on May 9th for the infamous player to be named later or cash. With the combination of Darwin Barney‘s return from the DL and the pick up of Cody Ransom earlier this season, Gonzalez had become a surplus resource stashed away in the minors after out performingBrent Lillibridge to open 2013.

For those of you who enjoy keeping track of the roster happenings of the Cubs, stay tuned to Cubbies Crib as the next pending moves will include reinstating Matt Garza to the starting rotation by the end of May if healthy. A separate or corresponding move may also involve the over kill that is the Cubs outfield depth in the 25 man roster, with Julio Borbon and Ryan Sweeney extending the outfield corp to six members.