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Former Mets Infielder Claimed Off Waivers By Cubs
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- Former Mets Infielder Claimed Off Waivers By Cubs
The Chicago Cubs announced that they've claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers after his brief stint with the New York Mets according to a report from Darragh McDonald of MLBTrade Rumors.com. Arias is out of options, so he'll require an active roster spot, and the Cubs have transferred right-handers Phils Maton to the 60-day injured list.
Arias is a 26-year old former prospect who hasn't been able to find his footing in the big leagues. He's been in a total of 362 games in the five years he's been with Cleveland , according to McDonald, and his high strikeout right and low walk rate have done him in. He had 30 homers in that time, but his slash line of .219/.275/.359 made him a poor fit for a team that's in the middle of the wild card race.
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Defensively he provides versatility, as he's played every position but catcher, but Arias has spent most of his time at shortstop to go with plenty of innings at both third at second. His outfield work has been limited, with most of it coming in right field.
Arias's time with the Mets was limited, and he got in just two games, one as a starter at first. The Mets decided to promote Christian Morel from Syracuse to play first against left-handers after they gave Jared Young a few at-bats against southpaws.
The Cubs, meanwhile are dealing with an injury to shortstop Dansby Swanson , who just went on the IL with an oblique strain. Their play is to move Nico Hoerner over from second, and Pedro Ramirez will likely get the most of the playing time at second, per McDonald.
There's a better opportunity here for Arias than he got with the Mets, as he could give the Cubs a fallback option at short. Francisco Lindor has resumed his role as an ironman at short after spending signfiicant time on the IL back in the spring for a serious calf injury.
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The Cubs also selected Owen Miller when Swanson went on the IL to give Hoerner a proper backup, but Miller isn't ideally cast in that role given that he has only eight big league innigns at short. Arias could also replace Miller on the bench, or the Cubs could option outfielder Kevin Alcantara while keeping Miller and Arias on the bench.
It's unclear how long Morel will get viable chances at first given how well Young has played, as he's been a pleasant surprise this season.
