Roster Update: Hammel Activated Off Bereavement, Grimm Optioned to Iowa

Jason Hammel, who was put on the bereavement list by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, August 3 – one day after his stellar outing against the Marlins – has been activated. Justin Grimm, who was sent down to triple-A Iowa on July 31, then recalled to fill in for Hammel on August 3, has now been sent back to Iowa.

You may recall that Justin was originally optioned to Iowa to make room for Brian Matusz to join the Cubs for a spot start. Matusz made that start against the Marlins and gave up six runs on three home runs in three innings before being pulled by Joe Maddon. Of course, the Cubs stormed back to win in 12 innings on a superb squeeze bunt by Jon Lester.

So now Justin has (gracefully) bounced back down to Iowa, where he’ll hopefully show up within 72 hours.

Of course, this move really just serves to reinforce the already complex roster situation the Cubs find themselves in. With Tommy La Stella missing after his recent demotion, and Trevor Cahill, who’s been on rehab since July 18, looking like he’ll be ready to return any day, the choices won’t get any easier for the Cubs, at least not until rosters expand on September 1.