Chicago Cubs Make Flurry of Roster Moves on Friday

The team has brought back Nico Hoerner from the injured list and designated Eric Hosmer for assignment, among other moves.

The Chicago Cubs made a flurry of roster moves on Friday afternoon.

Cubs radio broadcaster Zach Zaidman put the news out on Twitter:

Cubs moves:

Nico Hoerner reinstated. Cody Bellinger goes on the IL with a left knee contusion. Keegan Thompson sent to Iowa. Eric Hosmer designated for assignment. Edwin Rios and Mike Tauchman are now with the Cubs.

Cubs moves:

Nico Hoerner reinstated. Cody Bellinger goes on the IL with a left knee contusion. Keegan Thompson sent to Iowa. Eric Hosmer designated for assignment. Edwin Rios and Mike Tauchman are now with the Cubs.

— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) May 19, 2023

--The Hoerner activation is a big deal, as he's been a catalyst for the team.  He's hitting .303 with through 152 at-bats with two home runs, 19 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He's posted a .743 OPS as well.

He made his debut in 2019 but didn't assume a full-time role until 2022, when he hit .281. This year appears to be an extension of that breakout.

--Bellinger, in his first season with the Cubs, is having a nice renaissance. The former National League MVP is hitting .271 with seven homers, 20 RBI and nine steals. He's posted an .830 OPS.

--Hosmer, who won a title with the Kansas City Royals and then signed a lucrative deal with the San Diego Padres before going to the Boston Red Sox late in 2022, was hitting .234 with two homers and 14 RBI. The 33-year-old is a lifetime .276 hitter with 198 homers and 893 RBI.

--Thompson is 2-2 this season with a 4.22 ERA. He's struck out 16 in 21.1 innings.

--Tauchman has spent part of five years in the big leagues but hasn't appeared in a major league game since 2021. He's played for the Rockies, Yankees and San Francisco Giants. He's a lifetime .231 hitter with 17 home runs.

The Cubs are currently 19-24 and will play the Phillies Friday in Philadelphia.

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