Morel Assigned to Triple-A, Mastrobuoni Makes Opening Day Roster For Cubs

Despite a late surge in Spring Training, Cubs President of Baseball Operations indicated that Christopher Morel would begin the year in Iowa.

Christopher Morel has been informed that he will begin the year with the Chicago Cubs Triple-A outfit.

Morel, 23, played great down the stretch in Spring Training, including a 3-for-4 game with two doubles on Saturday.

However, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer noted during Monday's broadcast that they wanted the young utility man to get regular at-bats.

“He’s got to get at-bats, he’s got to play,” Hoyer told reporters. “Having him on the bench and playing once a series or getting three at-bats a series doesn’t make any sense for his development. 

"You use everyone during the course of the season. He’s going to help us a ton, but making sure he gets off to a good start, is playing a lot, playing well, that’s the most important thing. And then when we have a need where he’s going to play a lot, then we can certainly bring him up.”

Given that Morel's role with the Big League roster remained unclear and he struck out in over 32 percent of his at-bats last season, getting regular playing time in Iowa is the right approach.

In his place, Hoyer confirmed that Miles Mastrobuoni will be on the Opening Day roster, serving in a utility role. The Cubs acquired the 27-year-old from the Tampa Bay Rays in mid-November for a minor league pitcher.

Mastrobuoni hit .300 with Tampa's Triple-A outfit in 2022, slugging 16 home runs and 64 RBI in 129 games. He showcased well in limited playing time this spring, hitting .350 with three RBI in a 10-game sample size.

He's spent the majority of his time in the minors at second base but has a wealth of experience at shortstop and at both corner outfield positions. Mastrobuoni's versatility will be valuable when the Cubs look to give players a day of rest.

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