Chicago Cubs activate OF Chris Denorfia from 15-day DL

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On the day that Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant makes his major league debut against the San Diego Padres, outfielder Chris Denorfia will join the party in Chicago as well.

According to the team’s official Twitter handle, Denorfia was activated from the 15-day disabled list, taking relief pitcher Neil Ramirez‘s spot on the active roster. Ramirez left Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder, as it was later revealed that there was some inflammation.

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While Ramirez finds himself on the 15-day disabled list, Denorfia will likely come off the bench as either a pinch-hitter, or someone to fill in, just in case something were to happen to either one of the starters.

The 34-year-old veteran was signed to a one-year, $2.6 million guaranteed deal by the Cubs on Jan. 9 as the team was looking to add a seasoned addition to their platoon.

Prior to joining the North Siders, Denorfia debuted with the Reds back in 2005 and bounced between the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and the Seattle Mariners between 2006-2014.

He was acquired by the Mariners from the Padres in exchange for both Abraham Almonte and Stephen Kohlscheen. Midway through spring training, Denorfia suffered a hamstring injury on Mar. 17 and later found himself on the disabled list but picked up a rehab assignment with the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

Denorfia recorded a double in the very first inning of that assignment, then followed that up with a strikeout as he started in left field and hit in the No. 2 spot in the Pelicans lineup. He finished 1-for-2 in the 5-0 loss to the Welmington Blue Rocks.

Despite the lack of power, his best season of his career came in 2013 when he was a member of the Padres. In 473 at-bats, Denorfia recorded a career high 10 home runs, 47 RBI, 21 doubles, 132 hits, 67 runs and 42 walks while slashing .279/.337/.395.

Things were a bit slow for him last season between both the Padres and Mariners, as he finished the year with only three long balls, 21 RBI, 12 doubles, 76 hits, and 36 runs with a .230/.284/.318 line. Not exactly the numbers fans are looking for, but things could turn around like it did with former outfielder Nate Schierholtz.

Next: How The Kris Bryant Excitement Almost Didn't Happen