Christopher Morel already making case to return to Chicago Cubs roster

Perhaps the only surprise for the Chicago Cubs during Spring Training was the revelation that the team was moving forward with a plan to start super utility player Christopher Morel in Triple-A Iowa in an effort to get regular at-bats.

"“The coaching staff really felt strongly that he was a really good player who we really wanted playing a lot,” Hoyer said, “and having him as a bench option isn’t the right thing for his career and probably not the right thing for the length of the season.”"

Jed Hoyer via Chicago Tribune

Injuries forced Morel to remain with the Major League team last season since his initial promotion last May and chances are that had the Cubs had the same roster last season that they have this season, Morel would have returned to the minor leagues during the second half of the season when he hit under .200.

Morel has not made light of his assignment to Triple-A Iowa to begin the season. Morel has been a spark plug for the I-Cubs to begin the season as he has 4 hits in his first 15 plate appearances with a double, triple, and a home run.

It would appear that the only path that Morel may have back to the Major League roster is through injury or poor production. The Cubs envision Morel playing everyday and the only two positions where that is a possibility for the 23-year-old would be third base or center field.

Patrick Wisdom has two home runs through the Cubs first three games but center fielder Cody Bellinger remains hitless. Bellinger will likely be given an extended look in center field regardless of any offensive struggles that may occur. Though, if Morel continues his hot start and the Cubs continue to show offensive deficiencies, the team may be left with no option but call-up the fan favorite.