Kevin Alcantara leaves Cubs with obvious roster fix after latest inexplicable gaffe

While the Chicago Cubs haven't exactly given Kevin Alcantara lengthy runway, it would seem that Alcantara is quickly losing the trust of Craig Counsell. Dating back to spring training, Alcantara hasn't had the cleanest base running skills, and there's been multiple offenses during the regular season that would suggest he simply can't be trusted as a pinch runner.

The latest occurrence came during the Cubs' extra-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. Entering the game for Miguel Amaya as a pinch runner in the eighth inning, Alcantara was the go-ahead run and eventually found his way on third base with no outs.

Sure, it was another situation where Bregman didn't come through with runners in scoring position, but Alcantara was caught in no man's land at third base. Bregman lined out to first base, and Alcantara was doubled up at third base. It was an inexcusable effort from the Cubs' outfield prospect, and while he doesn't deserve all of the blame, it seems clear that he will be optioned to Triple-A Iowa before the Cubs play the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.

Cubs' next roster move is crystal clear

If the Cubs aren't going to give Alcantara any meaningful run in the starting lineup, and the 23-year-old outfielder can't be trusted on the base paths, it would seem clear that he is destined for a return to Triple-A Iowa.

The obvious move would be demote Alcantara, and activate Matt Shaw off the IL. The Cubs have suggested that Shaw's minor-league rehab assignment could be extended, considering the desire for him to have consistent plate appearances and play different positions, but the situation calls for his return. If nothing else, Shaw is a different look for a lineup that has looked lost since the middle of May. Not to mention, if the Cubs are nearing a scenario where Alex Bregman is given a couple days off to reset, Shaw is the logical option to replace him at third base.

Along those lines, it does appear that Shaw will be returning to the Cubs on Tuesday. ESPN's Jesse Rogers reports that Shaw will be activated off the IL, likely signaling the end of Alcantara's latest run with the Cubs.

If nothing else, it would seem the trajectory on Alcantara's prospect profile has shifted. With each passing day, it's becoming clear that the Cubs may not be as high on the young outfielder as they once were.

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