Player Released in Spring Training Re-Signed by Cubs

The bar is so incredibly low for backup infielders on the Cubs right now that the team has reportedly re-signed Nicky Lopez. The veteran utility man signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason, but was then released in spring training when he was notified that he wasn't making the Opening Day roster. Lopez eventually found an MLB spot with the Angels, but he was DFA'd last week and now he's back with the Cubs.

Lopez was spotted walking into Wrigley Field on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Cubs' series finale against the Dodgers.

So, Lopez is either replacing one of two guys on the active roster. Gage Workman had an awful night on Tuesday, committing two errors that led to five runs. The left-handed hitter has had limited playing time, getting a total of 14 at-bats. He's 3-for-14, with 6 strikeouts and a walk.

Workman was a Rule 5 Draft pick this past offseason as the Cubs grabbed him from the Tigers. The 25-year-old jumped straight from Double-A to the majors with the Cubs and at the very least he was supposed to be a dependable defender at third base. Workman looked great at the hot corner during spring training, but he's been a mess in the regular season, albeit he's only had a handful of starts.

There's also the possibility that switch-hitter Vidal Bruján could be injured. He was the pinch-runner in the 10th inning on Tuesday night and scored the game-winning run against the Dodgers. Bruján stayed down at home plate for a bit after scoring, so maybe he tweaked something running in from second base.

We'll see what the official roster move is by the Cubs, but Lopez will be on the active roster. Again, expectations are so low for him. I said it for Workman and I'll say it for Lopez, just make the routine plays on defense and any contribution on offense is a plus.

Until Matt Shaw returns I'd expect to see a lot more of Jon Berti starting at third base.