The Chicago Cubs made another set of cuts to their spring training roster this week, and surprised a few fans with the demotion of Welington Castillo and Randy Wells.
It was also announced that Steve Clevenger and Joe Mather will be on the Opening Day roster when the Cubs start the season April 4.
Welington Castillo was slated to be the backup catcher behind Geovany Soto, but his season will instead start in Iowa. The 24-year-old is one of the Cubs’ top prospects and will benefit from playing every day in the minors.
Taking his place will be Steve Clevenger, a 25-year-old with just four career at bats in the majors. He will provide the Cubs with a solid left-handed bat when Soto needs a rest.
Randy Wells was another surprising cut from the 25-man roster. Though he didn’t make the starting rotation, he was expected to be the long reliever in the Cubs bullpen. With the cut, he will start the year in AAA and will likely be the insurance policy if a member of the Cubs starting five gets hurt.
The story of the spring, however, is Joe Mather. The utility man is a former member of the Cardinals and Braves, and has had 294 at bats in his career. He is hitting over .400 this spring, and will be a valuable member of the bench as he can play first, third or outfield.
The Cubs still need to make another set of cuts before Opening Day, which will likely include Tony Campana and a handful of relievers.
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