Cubs: Alfonso Rivas continues to make the most out of opportunities

After his offensive explosion last Saturday, Cubs prospect Alfonso Rivas caught the eyes of plenty of fans. Yet, Thursday was the first day that Rivas was in the lineup since his incredible day at the plate against the Pirates. While Rivas did not finish the night with a hit, he still was able to impress with his plate appearances as well as his glove.

Rivas finished the day going 0-for-1 with two walks, but the real highlight of the night was when he flashed some leather. Late in the game, Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna hit a little blooper out to short right field. Rivas immediately got on his horse and made an incredible over the shoulder sliding catch to rob Ozuna of a hit.

That highlight play today and impressive numbers at the plate continue to show how Rivas continues to take the most out of every opportunity that he is getting. The 25-year-old has shown that he should be getting in this lineup more than twice a week.

The way this season is already going for Chicago, there’s absolutely no reason a guy like Rivas – or any guy with something to prove and a hot hand – shouldn’t be in there regularly. That evaluation is a key piece to the puzzle this year and is something the front office and David Ross need to keep top of mind.

Rivas is batting a solid .462 with one homer and 6 RBI in a small sample size this season. While still considered a prospect, the former fourth-rounder has been optioned up and down from Triple-A to the major leagues the past two seasons. Hopefully after this recent hot stretch for him he continues to stay with the major league club.

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Needless to say, Rivas’ play on the field has helped him not only prove he belongs on a big league roster, but has plenty to offer as an everyday player. It definitely makes sense why fans are getting upset with other players getting chances over guys like Rivas. Hopefully, moving forward, we’re seeing a lot more of him.