Sunday saw the Cubs reduce their spring roster from 47 to 42 players as they creep closer to identifying the 26 men who will break camp for Arlington in 10 days. The two most notable cuts were right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson and infielder Matt Mervis, both of whom were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Righty Cam Sanders, catcher Bryce Windham, and infielder Chase Strumpf — all non-roster invitees — were assigned to minor league camp.
Many view this as indicative of how the club views Mervis, which isn’t entirely incorrect.