CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have added infield prospect Javier Baez and three others from Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
With rosters expanding, Chicago recalled pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada and selected the contracts of outfielder Quintin Berry and reliever Trevor Cahill from Iowa. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated relievers James Russell and Rafael Soriano for assignment.
Catcher David Ross was activated off the family medical emergency list.
Outfielder Austin Jackson, acquired Monday from Seattle, was added to the active roster.
“You’ve got a good mix of veterans and young guys,” Jackson said. “That’s a good mix that you need when you’re approaching the postseason.”
Baez, 22, is one of Chicago’s top prospects but struggled during a brief stint in the major leagues last year. In 52 games, Baez hit nine home runs but struck out 95 times and batted.169.
Since then, Baez has changed his approach and worked to eliminate a violent leg kick from his swing in hopes to make more contact.
This season at Iowa before being recalled, Baez hit .324 with 13 home runs in 70 games. Baez, who was batting seventh and playing second base, missed time this season after a wrist injury and the death of his sister.
Baez went 0-for-4 in Chicago’s come-from-behind win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.
Kyle Schwarber hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the seventh and Kris Bryant had three hits and two RBIs in the 5-4 win.