With rosters expanding from 26 to 28 on September 1st, all eyes are on what the Cubs will do with their rotation and bullpen, and rightfully so, as that's been the area of concern essentially all year. It's almost inevitable that Javier Assad will be the pitcher added to the roster
, as he should have never left it to begin with.
Alongside Assad, BJ Murray Jr is expected to receive the call up to the MLB, as the BBA revealed that Murray is expected to be the next Bahamian to make the MLB
. Murray has performed at a high level in Triple-A throughout the season, and his underlying metrics
indicate that he could be a genuine help to the major league roster.
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Murray's versatility will be a great asset for Chicago
leading up to the playoffs
While Murray has posted a .895 OPS alongside 16 home runs in the minor leagues, what may have been the determining factor in the Cubs choosing him is his versatility. Murray has played all over the field, including both corner infield positions and the outfield. On top of this, he's a switch hitter. Considering both of these factors, Murray could seamlessly be plugged in to any position and pinch hit at any time.
With this callup alongside Matt Shaw
's return from injury, it's a possibility that Chicago will make another move as well, with that move likely being designating infielder Gabriel Arias
for assignment. WIth all of Murray, Shaw, and Pedro Ramirez on the roster, Arias has no place and the roster spot could be better used on a pinch running threat such as Kevin Alcntara or Justin Dean
.
Murray's time in the big leagues will carry alot of weight for him and his future on the roster, as Dansby Swanson
is expected to return sometime in the middle of September, leaving the Cubs with potentially difficult roster decisions to make come playoff time. These offensive decisions will have less of an impact than the pitching ones given the current circumstances, but it's still worthy to note who the Cubs will have for extra offensive firepower off of the bench moving forward.
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This article was originally published on www.dawindycity.com as Cubs minor leaguer BJ Murray Jr. expected to be called up ahead of September roster expansion
.
