Chicago Cubs: What does Daniel Murphy acquisition mean for roster?

Chicago Cubs: Tough decision to make on Bote

Still, he is the least experienced position player on the roster and one of the few with minor league options. The decision would not be easy, though it would make sense. After all, the Cubs can recall him on Sept. 1 when active rosters expand to 40 players.

Bote has played third, second and first base in the absence of Bryant, hitting .290 in 39 games/93 at-bats. Murphy can play second base, with Javier Báez capable of picking up the slack at third base when Murphy is in the lineup.

If the Cubs feel that they cannot be without Bote for the next 10 days, another move that they could make is putting Addison Russell on the 10-day DL. Given his recent health issues with his shoulder and hand, this could very well play out.

Russell has had an up-and-down season in which he has hit as high as .286 on July 3. Since the break, though, he is hitting .216 in 27 games with a .508 OPS.