Chicago Cubs News: Nelson Velazquez recalled from Triple-A Iowa

The Chicago Cubs have made a roster ahead of the start of their series against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night as outfielder Nelson Velazquez has joined the Major League team at Wrigley Field.

Velazquez made his Major League debut with the Chicago Cubs during the 2022 season and injuries likely forced him on the roster longer than he should have been. In 206 plate appearances at the Major League level last season, Velazquez slashed .205/.286/.373/.659. Despite the poor slash line, there were encouraging signs from Velazquez as he had a hard-hit percentage of 41.7% last season to go along with a 13.3% barrel rate.

As was the case with Christopher Morel, the Cubs entered 2023 with the idea that the best course of action for Velazquez's development would be to play every day with the Iowa Cubs. Velazquez was off to a hot start with the I-Cubs this season as he was slashing .364/.432/.697 through his first 37 plate appearances to go along with 3 home runs.

Velazquez's time at the Major League level may be short-lived. Starting right fielder Seiya Suzuki appears to be close to being ready to be activated from the injured list with speculation suggesting that may occur on Tuesday. It would seem likely that Velazquez would be optioned back to Iowa once Suzuki is activated.

In order to make room for Velazquez, the Cubs optioned right-handed relief pitcher Javier Assad.

Assad has struggled while pitching out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season as he has allowed 6 runs in 4.1 innings pitched. Assad will likely return to starting duties with the I-Cubs and will be an option in the event that an injury occurs to the Major League rotation.