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The Chicago Cubs made a pair of roster cuts on Thursday that provided some clarity to the lingering questions over their pitching staff.
Jordan Wicks and Eli Morgan were optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday in a move that is likely tied to the fact each pitcher has minor-league options remaining. Morgan being optioned all but confirms that Brad Keller will have a spot in the Cubs' bullpen. As for Wicks, he wasn't among the candidates to take Javier Assad's spot in the starting rotation.
Chicago Cubs News: Justin Steele gets the start in the Cubs' second Opening Day
One day after the Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen their Opening Day starter, the Cubs revealed that Justin Steele will get the start on their end.
Justin Steele will start the re-opener in Arizona on Thursday, followed by Taillon. Shota’s start is TBA.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) March 21, 2025
Conventional wisdom would suggest that Shota Imanaga would get the start for the third game against the Diamondbacks. The move seemingly is being done to allow the Cubs to spread out their two top left-handed starting pitchers.
Chicago Cubs News: Nicky Lopez officially granted his released
With veteran infielder Nicky Lopez not traveling with the Cubs to Japan, it was all but confirmed that he was going to be leaving the organization in efforts to find a path to a Major League roster elsewhere. Lopez was granted his release by the Cubs on Friday.
The final spot on the Cubs' bench appears to be down between Vidal Bruján or Gage Workman. Clarity on the decision could come as soon as this weekend. As a Rule 5 selection, Workman would be sent back to the Detroit Tigers if he does not remain on the Cubs' Major League roster following the games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan, Bruján, meanwhile, is out of minor-league options.
Chicago Cubs News: Nico Hoerner makes his 2025 Cactus League debut
All signs continue to point in the direction of Nico Hoerner being ready for the March 27 game against the Diamondbacks. Recovering from offseason elbow surgery, Hoerner did not make the trip with the Cubs to Japan but international roster rules allowed the Cubs to keep him on the roster without needing to place him on the IL.
Hoerner made his 2025 Cactus League debut on Friday during the Cubs' loss to the San Diego Padres. Hoerner went hitless in three plate appearances but was starting at second base. Barring an unforeseen setback, Hoerner should be good to go for next Thursday.
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