Kyle Ryan Activated from COVID-19 List, Robert Stock DFA’d to Make Room

Kyle Ryan missed the first few days of camp because he was on the COVID-19 list, but he rejoined the Cubs recently and was officially activated Sunday afternoon. That put the team over their roster limit, which led to them designating hard-throwing righty Robert Stock for assignment. Stock was an interesting possibility due to his big fastball and the potential to miss bats, plus he’s still got a minor league option left, so maybe the Cubs can sneak him through waivers.

There will be another set of moves coming soon because the Cubs will need to clear another roster spot once they finalize Ryan Tepera‘s signing. It’s possible, even likely, that they will make room by placing Rowan Wick on the 60-day IL as he continues to work through complications from the oblique injury that cost him the end of 2020.

Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said it’s “fair to say” Wick won’t be ready for the start of the season and that the Cubs don’t want to rush the rehab process. Barring a sudden recovery that allows him to get ramped up really quickly, Wick will need a fair bit of runway to get back into pitching shape.

We should know more about the situation soon as the Cubs open their Cactus League slate against the Padres on Monday.

Update: Stock has cleared waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Iowa and is now a non-roster invitee to camp.