The Cubs activated Clint Frazier from the 10-day injured list today, sending Michael Hermosillo back to the injured list to create space on the active roster, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
Brandon Hughes has also been sent back to Triple-A after being an emergency call-up because of the club’s COVID issues. Hughes. 26, was not on the 40-man roster. He made five appearances since May 17th, tossing seven innings while yielding just two earned runs on four hits with a 9-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.
The Cubs outfield situation, meanwhile, will continue to be a dynamic group for the foreseeable future. Seiya Suzuki, for instance, is out of the lineup today with a sprained left finger, but he’s not expected to be out for long. Jason Heyward, meanwhile, is cleared for baseball activities and “ramping up” to return to the team, per Montemurro. Another move will be required when Heyward officially returns.
Frazier was a low-risk gamble for the Cubs this winter, but he has not been able to get going as of yet. In just 10 games, Frazier hit .143/.250/.238 in 24 plate appearances with intermittent playing time. Now that he’s returned, Frazier should at least return to his role as a short-side platoon player.
In the long run, that may be a role that Frazier and Hermosillo will compete for. Hermosillo is the stronger defender of the two, but Frazier, theoretically, has more upside. In 17 games so far, Hermosillo has slashed .071/.257/.107 across 35 plate appearances with the big league club. Regardless, the Cubs have to be intrigued by Hermosillo after he hit ..306/.446/.592 with their Triple-A club last season.
I would like to see Frazier get some extended playing time to see what he’s really capable of.
It’s the only way to know. And this is the year to find out.
DFAyward
As always, we await developments.
Sure, Clint is only hitting .143 for the Cubs this year, but he was much better in AAA, hitting .148.
The talent is there. The head and health are not.
I agree about health, but we on the outside don’t have any idea what’s going on in his head.
the concussions are worrying, nobody would be the same. i would argue he should get a shot at play time either way
Don’t hold your breath pal, every time it looks like he’s putting it all together, “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” Ahahahahaha!
I am pretty sure Herms was already on the IL
Yeah, I don’t think Herm had anything to do with this transaction.
Like choosing between two turds…
Thanks for sharing
Clint’s got two things, talent and lots of sneakers.
That was actually pretty generous to put Hermosillo on the “IL”. Sad to see Hughes get sent back to AAA.
3-way deal:
Cubs get a PTBNL
Nationals get Frazier, Deivi, and Andujar
Yankees get Juan Soto
Who says no?
Lol the nationals! Soto is worth way more.
Ok. Would be willing to toss in Luis Gil and Marwin Gonzalez.
Heyward is going to get DFA’d
Nah, the Cubs will need someone to fill a roster spot after the trade deadline. Hoyer has been hoarding guys on the IL to maximize his chances of finding a diamond in the rough.
I was one of the biggest Frazier supporters, but you come to a moment when you realize he talks a better game than he will ever play.