Between the Cubs dropping two of three to Cincinnati and Cole Hamels going to the IL with an oblique strain, there wasn’t a whole lot of attention paid the farm system this past weekend. But the roster moves that followed Hamels’ injury may have well have additional ripple effects that impact the Cubs as the trade deadline approaches.
Not only was Hamels placed on the IL, but veteran outfielder Carlos González was designated for assignment to free up room for an extra arm. The transactions left the Cubs with an extra spot on the 40-man roster, one that could presumably be filled by slugging utility infielder Robel Garcia (it has become my goal in live to speak this into reality).