All right, so here's the deal with the Cubs right now. Cole Hamels was placed on the paternity list before Tuesday's series opener against the Mets. He'll be back for his start on Saturday against the Brewers, but he's not on the current active roster. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo is missing his second straight game because of a back issue.
Because Hamels is on the paternity list, the Cubs can call up a player to replace him and then Hamels can come back after three days. Anyway, with Rizzo out and maybe he misses a couple more games, why not just call up Ben Zobrist right now?
Instead, the Cubs called up right-handed reliever James Norwood, making him the ninth pitcher in the bullpen. Zobrist, who's still expected to join the Cubs be the end of this week anyway, is in Nashville taking more batting practice.
I mean, give me Zobrist on the bench instead of a ninth pitcher in the pen. And again, the Cubs are playing with a short bench and Rizzo may not be available until Friday.
Ian Happ is getting his second straight start at first base, filling in for Rizzo, while Addison Russell gets the nod at second.
Zobrist hasn't played with the Cubs since May. He played in 12 minor league games this month after deciding he wanted to make a late-season comeback.
Well, guess we'll have to wait until the end of this week.
