Ahead of the second game of a pivotal three-game set at Wrigley Field against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs announced a pair of roster moves as the club's offense continues to struggle.
The team announced that first baseman Matt Mervis has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, with utility player Miles Mastrobuoni being recalled in a corresponding roster move.
Mervis, 26, has now spent time with the big league club in each of the past two seasons, encountering immense struggles in both stints thus far.
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After going 15-for-90 in 27 games in 2023 with three home runs and 32 strikeouts, Mervis' struggles at the top level appeared even more glaring in 2024.
Mervis was just 3-for-26 in nine games with the Cubs this season, with one double, one walk and eight strikeouts.
These struggles have not appeared at all in Iowa, where Mervis has posted a monster 1.009 OPS with 11 of his 19 hits in Triple-A this year going for extra bases.
As for Mastrobuoni, the 28-year-old utility man will get another chance with the big league club after going 0-for-12 with a walk during eight games with the club in his first stint this season.
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While Mastrobuoni likely won't aid a struggling offense much, his defensive versatility and speed gives the Cubs a little more flexibility late in close games.
In Iowa this season, Mastrobuoni has hit .231/.318/.436 with five doubles and one home run.
The Cubs will look to even up the series against the rival Brewers Saturday afternoon, with first pitch slated for 1:20 p.m. local time.