As Thursday’s game was postponed , the Chicago Cubs got right to work in clearing 26-man roster spots for the returns of regulars Jameson Taillon and Patrick Wisdom.
Miles Mastrobuoni was assigned to Triple-A Iowa in an expected move, but the other shoe to drop was rather surprising. Pitcher Hayden Wesneski is also heading to Iowa after just one outing — a stellar one at that.
The right-hander was up and down in a matter of a day and a half. Given some of the Cubs’ pitching deficiencies, it’s a bit curious to see Wesneski as the odd man out.
The #Cubs today activated RHP Jameson Taillon from the 15-day IL and INF Patrick Wisdom from the 10-day IL. In corresponding moves, RHP Hayden Wesneski and INF Miles Mastrobuoni were optioned to @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/8H41S8UOpa
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 18, 2024
When the Cubs needed a spark in Wednesday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wesneski stepped up in a major way by tossing four innings of scoreless baseball to help secure a 5-3 victory.
Here comes Craig.
WHAT A DAY FOR HAYDEN.
4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K
Take a bow, Hayden. #YouHaveToSeeIt pic.twitter.com/ngOw89PrDr
— Cubs On Tap (@CubbiesOnTap) April 17, 2024
From the Cubs’ perspective, perhaps the move could be viewed as getting a fresher arm in the bullpen. After all, Taillon’s return will bump one pitcher from the starting rotation. Could that be Jordan Wicks? It remains to be seen as of this writing.
Wisdom’s return required an odd man out on the bench as well. Garrett Cooper and Nick Madrigal have provided value to the club, making Mastrobuoni the logical choice for a demotion.
Wesneski and Mastrobuoni have had positive moments for the Cubs in the past. If they can continue to provide value in Triple-A, the Cubs will probably call upon them again when needed.
