Cubs Roster Moves: Dillon Maples and Rowan Wick Recalled, Cole Hamels to IL, Carlos González Designated

As initially reported Friday night, the Cubs have placed Cole Hamels on the IL with a strained left oblique and have designated Carlos Gonzalez for assignment. Hamels said the injury doesn’t feel as serious as a strain on his right side that forced him to miss two months in 2017, so fingers crossed. And CarGo has the option to remain with the organization in the minors should he clear waivers, though we’ll have to wait and see how that plays out.

In order to fill those two spots on the roster, the Cubs have recalled righty relievers Dillon Maples and Rowan Wick from Triple-A Iowa. This leaves the bench a little short for the time being, though that was necessitated by Hamels’ abbreviated start.

Maples has been nothing short of spectacular over his last several outings for Iowa, dialing in the command and limiting walks and hits like never before. Joe Maddon said the next time Maples came up would be for good, but the circumstances of this move may cause him to recant that. Here’s to hoping he puts together some money outings.

Wick has intrigued in two previous stints with the Cubs, allowing one earned run in three relief outings, and has struck out 34 batters against only eight walks in 28.1 innings for Iowa. With Craig Kimbrel now in the fold as well, the Cubs have a lot of righty firepower in the bullpen. They may need it this weekend, after which we should expect more roster moves.

Depending on how things unfold over the next couple days, we could see them recall a position player like Robel Garcia for DH duties on the South Side. Hey, a boy can dream.