The Cubs call up their top catching prospect.
As first reported late Monday by Bruce Levine, the Cubs Tuesday called up their top catching prospect, Moises Ballesteros, from Triple-A Iowa.
Ian Happ, who is dealing with an oblique issue, was placed on the 10-day injured list. Oblique injuries can be tough to deal with, so hopefully this won’t be a long IL stint for Happ, who was doing a good job in the leadoff spot with a .364 OBP.
I would expect Ballesteros to slide into the DH spot, with perhaps a bit of time behind the plate. In any case, he can work on his catching skills with Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly and the MLB coaching staff. While Happ is out, Seiya Suzuki likely plays left field.
Ballesteros, a Venezuelan native who is just 21 years old, was batting .368/.420/.522 (50-for-136) at Iowa with seven doubles, a triple and four home runs. His lefthanded bat should play at the MLB level.
To make room for Ballesteros on the 40-man roster, righthander Tyson Miller was moved to the 60-day injured list. Miller has not pitched in the major leagues this year due to a hip impingement, and had been on a rehab assignment at Iowa, but recently suffered a setback. Hopefully he can come back soon.
Welcome to the major leagues, Moises Ballesteros!