Cubs claim Gabriel Arias off waivers from Mets following Dansby Swanson injury

Following through on the very move I suggested could be in the cards earlier this week, the Chicago Cubs claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from the New York Mets - giving manager Craig Counsell more depth as the team weathers the loss of Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson.

Arias, 26, spent time this season with the Guardians and Mets, struggling with the bat (.235/.273/.371) but grading out as solidly above-average in the field. He's played at first, second, short and third - and even has some past experience in the outfield. In a corresponding move to clear a 40-man spot, Phil Maton was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Arias is out of options, so there's another move coming once he joins the team. My guess would be that Owen Miller, who was recently called up from Triple-A, will go back down. Arias is a clear upgrade over Miller, especially defensively. Given the fact the Cubs' pitching staff has overcome the odds and found success due almost entirely to the defense behind it, it makes sense that's what they're prioritizing with Swanson out.

Cubs about to get another boost to the roster apart from Gabriel Arias

Arias isn't the only addition Counsell will get on the bench. Utilityman Matt Shaw began his rehab assignment with Iowa on Wednesday - so we could see him back with Chicago sooner rather than later. He's been sidelined since late June with a sprained left hand/wrist, so getting him back for the home stretch will be huge.

More often than not, though, we'll see Nico Hoerner sliding over and handling shortstop with Pedro Ramirez at second. Hoerner is on an absolute heater since the All-Star break, leading all NL players with a .367 average, and has more than demonstrated his defensive skills regardless of whether he's at short or second.

With Arias and Shaw slotted in behind that duo, the Cubs are in as good of shape as they could ask for to weather the loss of a critical piece like Swanson. That's about all you can ask for in this situation.

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