3 likely Cubs September call-ups and 2 dream promotions fans want to see

Rosters are set to expand and it feels like the Chicago Cubs will use the extra space to alleviated the crunch that will eventually be created by the number of players they have expected to return from injury before October.

Throughout the month, it would seem likely that the Cubs use the expanded rosters as a way to keep a fresh arm in the bullpen. It's not the most appealing usage of those spots, and that speaks to the overall nature of September call-ups for contending teams. Despite the appeal of a top prospect getting some run with the team, the extra roster spots often are a means to an end.

3 realistic September call-ups the Cubs could make

Shelby Miller

Shelby Miller is on a minor-league rehab assignment, recovering from Tommy John surgery he had last October. His outings with Triple-A Iowa have been electric, allowing Cubs fans to dream about his addition to the bullpen. His fastball is sitting in the upper-90s and he's missing bats regularly.

Still, the Cubs are playing it slow with his recovery and he has yet to pitch on back-to-back days. Until that happens, it's hard to count on Miller having a role of consequence for the Cubs in September. Instead, at some point, he will likely take up one of the extra spots to give the Cubs another arm in the bullpen. From there, time will tell if he's able to be a legitimate option for the playoff roster.

Justin Steele

As is the case with Miller, the Cubs are also keeping a slow pace with Justin Steele's recovery. He is, however, nearing a minor-league rehab assignment. Steele, if he does make his return to the Cubs this season, will be pitching out of the bullpen but given where he is in his recovery, he likely doesn't have enough time to build up the ability to pitch on back-to-back days. Until that happens, Steele can't have a role of consequence on the pitching staff this season, making him an ideal candidate for one of the extra spots at the end of the season.

Justin Dean

Given his ability to play all three outfield spots and added speed he brings to the bench, it feels like Justin Dean will eventually be back at Wrigley Field before the end of the regular season.

2 September call-ups we dream for the Cubs to make

Owen Ayers

The Cubs recently added a veteran catcher to Triple-A, fueling speculation that Owen Ayers could be a potential September call-up. There's no an exact need for Ayers, considering Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya are handling catching duties, but the value could be in being around the big-league club for the stretch run. Essentially an appetizer to Ayers having a larger role with the Cubs next season.

Jaxon Wiggins

Jaxon Wiggins has been used exclusively as a relief pitcher with the Iowa Cubs since the middle of August. Since his move to the bullpen, he's put together four scoreless outings while striking out seven of the 16 hitters he's faced. He's quickly making the case to be added to the bullpen during September, and the extra space on the roster could make it an easier decision for the Cubs.

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