Jed Hoyer provides confirmation on the next Cubs' roster move

Jordan Campbell

San Diego Padres v Chicago Cubs / Geoff Stellfox/GettyImages

Chicago Cubs left fielder, as expected, will be activated off the IL ahead of the Cubs' game against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night.

Jed Hoyer was a guest on 670 The Score on Tuesday morning, and confirmed the roster move that would be taking place with Happ's return.

Jed Hoyer confirms that Ian Happ will be activated for the Cubs tonight and Moises Ballesteros will be sent back to Triple-A Iowa.

"He's a guy that's going to have a lot of success in the big leagues," Hoyer says of Ballesteros.

"He knew it was going to be a short stay." pic.twitter.com/4gLM6KqjrL
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) May 20, 2025

When Happ was placed on the IL last week, the expectation was that he would be activated on the first day that he was eligible to return. After a commendable job in left field by Seiya Suzuki, Happ will return to his post in left field with Suzuki going back to being the team's designated hitter.

Moises Ballesteros will be optioned back to Triple-A Iowa when the Cubs make the official announcement later today. Given the circumstances surrounding the Cubs' roster, Matt Shaw back at third base and a healthy outfield, there wasn't going to be much of a case for Ballesteros sticking with the Major League team. While Ballesteros' bat is ready for the Major League level, the Cubs want him to continue his development as a catcher. That playing time won't be available at the Major League level with the success that Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly are having.

The biggest question with Ian Happ's return

The biggest question that is facing the Cubs, with Happ's return, is how the lineup should be constructed. With Happ on the IL, Pete Crow-Armstrong has thrived in the leadoff spot and made a strong case for remaining at the top of the lineup. Crow-Armstrong is having an MVP-caliber season, and with that, he should get as many plate appearances as possible. Until he proves he is incapable of handling being at the top of the lineup, Crow-Armstrong should be the Cubs' leadoff hitter.

As for Happ, he could still serve as a dependable No. 2 hitter. Given his ability to draw out plate appearances, it would give Crow-Armstrong ample time to create chaos on the base paths. Setting the stage for Suzuki and Kyle Tucker in the middle of the lineup.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.