Chicago Cubs News: 40-man roster spot opens, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and more

Chicago Cubs news and notes include a move on Tuesday that may hint that the Cubs are planning a major prospect promotion in the coming weeks.

Feb 23, 2023; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Ben Brown (86) poses for images during
Feb 23, 2023; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Ben Brown (86) poses for images during / Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs 40-man roster spot open

The Chicago Cubs attempted to sneak 2019 first-round pick Ryan Jensen through waivers and were unsuccessful as the Seattle Mariners claimed the pitcher on Tuesday.

The move opens a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster and that could be the team preparing to add one of their highly-touted pitching prospects to the Major League roster in September.

Speculation is centered around prospect Ben Brown. Brown is currently the team's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and was promoted to Triple-A early in the season as a way to prepare for a potential stint at the Major League level in September. Given the struggles that the Cubs have had recently in the starting rotational, specifically, veteran starting pitcher Drew Smyly, Brown may be viewed as a potential replacement.

Brown is currently on the IL with the Iowa Cubs but the injury is not believed to be anything that would prevent him from joining the Major League team in September.

Pete Crow-Armstong launches his second home run at the Triple-A level

Chicago Cubs top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is beginning to find his timing at the Triple-A level. Crow-Armstrong had two walks in the Iowa Cubs' victory on Tuesday but also launched his second home run at the Triple-A level.

Crow-Armstrong was not the only Cubs' outfield prospect having an impressive night as outfielder Owen Caissie was raking with the Tennessee Smokies on Tuesday night.

Caissie now has 21 home runs and a 150 wRC+ this season with the Smokies at the Double-A level and he appears to be on the verge of becoming a Top 100 prospect in all of Major League Baseball.

Brennen Davis resumes baseball activity

Chicago Cubs outfielder prospect Brennen Davis resumed baseball activity after being sidelined over the course of recent months due to surgery to correct his core.

Davis entered the 2022 season as the Cubs' top prospect but has seen a dramatic fall since then and it has reached the point where any production the Cubs receive from Davis at the Major League level now will be a bonus as opposed to an expectation.

More Chicago Cubs News

feed