The Chicago Cubs have made several roster moves ahead of their game on Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team announced that first baseman Matt Mervis has been promoted to the majors, while pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly have been placed on the injured list.Additionally, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski and left-handed pitcher Luke Little from Triple-A Iowa. Garrett Cooper was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.Mervis, 26, made his big-league debut last season but struggled over 27 games, batting .167/.242/.289 with three home runs in 99 plate appearances. However, he has since rebounded in Triple-A this season, hitting .288/.402/.606 with five home runs and six doubles.Mervis has made a lot of loud contact, with more than 60% of his batted balls clearing the 95 mph threshold on the young season. Cooper, 33, had performed fine in limited duty, hitting .270/.341/.432 with a home run and two additional extra-base hits in 41 plate appearances while splitting time between first base and designated hitter.It remains to be seen how the Cubs will divvy up first-base responsibilities between Mervis and fellow rookie Patrick Wisdom. Both are left-handed batters, with Mervis taking the place of the right-handed Cooper. (The Cubs also have Seiya Suzuki in the outfield, who they often platoon against lefty pitchers.) The Cubs enter Tuesday with a 13-9 record on the year, putting them in second place in the National League Central. Chicago trails the Milwaukee Brewers by 1 1/2 games, although it’s far too early to worry about such things.
Cubs Promote Mervis, Place Hendricks and Smyly on IL
