The Cubs announced Friday that they have optioned Dillon Maples and Mark Zagunis to AAA Iowa, trimming the roster to 37 with less than two weeks to go until Opening Day. They also officially released Justin Grimm, but you already knew that.
Maples had been part of the discussion of who might replace Grimm on the roster, but this effectively removes him for the time being. He’ll get the opportunity to close and/or pitch more regularly in Iowa as he works on his control, which is a better position for him at this juncture in his career.