Cubs Demote Albert Almora Jr. and Bring Addison Russell Back in Flurry of Weekend Roster Moves
By Parker White
Following a heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, the Chicago Cubs have made several roster moves as they head into a weekend set with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The most shocking decision was optioning outfielder Albert Almora Jr. to Triple-A Iowa and recalling infielder Addison Russell.
Cubs moves...
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 16, 2019
• Almora optioned to AAA
• Russell recalled from AAA
• Kintzler activated from IL
• Norwood optioned to AAA
The Cubs also activated right-handed reliever Brandon Kintzler from the injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher James Norwood to Triple-A to make room on the active roster.
#Cubs shake up roster, recalling Addison Russell to big league club and optioning Albert Almora Jr. to Triple-A Iowa; Brandon Kintzler has also been activatedhttps://t.co/vwsydVlLgP pic.twitter.com/vDNhjmUaG4
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 16, 2019
Almora, 25, has struggled at the plate this season, slashing .243/.275/.396 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI over 114 games (321 at-bats). He has Gold Glove ability defensively, but the bat has not come around this season.
Expect Ian Happ to see quite a bit of time in center field now that Almora has been demoted.
Russell was sent down back on July 24 because of poor performance and a lack of focus, but he's been hot down at Triple-A Iowa, as he's hit .313 with three home runs over his last 10 games.
Getting Kintzler back is a huge addition to the bullpen at the perfect time, as he owns a 2.33 ERA in 49 appearances this season.