Cubs help foster former division rival’s ousting from Rangers

The Chicago Cubs ended their latest run with veteran infielder Nicky Lopez over the weekend when they recalled Kevin Alcantara from Triple-A Iowa. Like Lopez, Alcantara hasn't seen much playing time since his return to Chicago, but that roster move may have set the stage from a former division rival's exit from the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers announced on Wednesday that they have designed former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen for assignment in order to make room for Lopez. With Corey Seager currently sidelined with a back injury, the hope is that Lopez can serve as additional infield depth before the All-Star shortstop returns.

Nicky Lopez will probably be back...eventually

If we're being entirely honest, it wouldn't be a surprise if Lopez eventually finds his way back to Chicago before the end of the season. Lopez has been a favorite of Craig Counsell, and has made multiple returns to the Cubs over the past year.

During the offseason, when the Cubs were looking to round out their bench, there was some thought that McCutchen could be a potential spring training arrival for the Cubs' bench. Instead, the Cubs opted to sign Michael Conforto in a move that has aged well for Jed Hoyer and Co.

McCutchen had some early success with the Rangers but things have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. Through 83 plate appearances, the 39-year-old slashed .192/.277/.260 with a wRC+ of 57. If nothing else, it validated the Pirates' decision to move on from their franchise cornerstone during the winter. Of course, the signing of Marcell Ozuna hasn't exactly aged well for Pittsburgh.

Even with the offensive struggles the Cubs have had of late, and the fact that Alcantara seems to be taking up a useless spot on the bench, there shouldn't be any expectation of the Cubs having interest in the veteran outfielder.

That being said, assuming the Cubs are still buyers ahead of the MLB trade deadline later this summer, perhaps the door has been opened for the front office looking for another bat for the bench. Moises Balllesteros has struggled in May, and even Conforto appears to be cooling. Reinforcements may be needed, assuming the Cubs don't exhaust all their resources trying to stabilize the pitching staff.

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