Brian Duensing Designated for Assignment as Cubs Tighten Roster

In somewhat less shocking news than Ian Happ being optioned to Triple-A, the Cubs announced Sunday that they had designated Brian Duensing for assignment. The lefty reliever had pitched well for the Cubs in 2017, but regressed since signing a two-year deal prior to the 2018 season. Even with their tight budget, the Cubs simply couldn’t keep Duensing on the roster in the face of other bullpen issues.

LHP Tim Collins signed and optioned. Duensing DFAd

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 24, 2019

There is a chance Duensing could remain in the organization if the Cubs can’t find a trade partner and he decides to stick around. Initial reports are that the team would like to retain him. But there doesn’t seem to be much of a path to him making his way back to Chicago given what we’ve saw last season and the struggles that led to a 10.29 ERA this spring.

As additional depth, the Cubs also signed lefty Tim Collins, most recently of the Twins organization. Collins was immediately optioned. This could open the door for Allen Webster, who has pitched well this spring and is out of options.

Stay tuned for more moves in the coming days.