Report: Javier Baez among Cubs’ seven roster cuts

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs top prospect Javier Baez was one of seven cuts made Saturday morning as the team trimmed their roster to 37 as they near Opening Day.

Parker optioned to AAA. Schlitter, Baez, Sanchez, Lim, Valaika assigned to Minor League camp. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 22, 2014

#Cubs also assign Casper Wells to Minor Leagues. Roster now at 37
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 22, 2014

Baez, 21, hit .310 with five solo home runs and led the team with 13 strikeouts in 42 at-bats.

Other cuts included pitchers Blake Parker, Jonathan Sanchez, Chang-Yong Lim and Brian Schlitter, infielder Chris Valaika and outfielder Casper Wells.

Parker, 28, was the biggest surprise as he was a member of last year’s bullpen and was expected to continue where he left off. In six appearances over nine innings this spring, Parker allowed six hits and six earned runs and six walks.

Schlitter, a Maine South high school product, had a good year at Iowa in 2013 as he gave up 38 hits, struck out 45, and a 3.24 ERA over 41 2/3 innings in 38 games. The 28-year-old will likely see time in the Chicago bullpen sometime this year.

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