Cubs Promote Robert Stock, Shuffle Pitching Staff with Flurry of Roster Moves

The Cubs made a series of moves Wednesday to accommodate a spot starter and give them a fresh arm for the bullpen. Most notably, flame-throwing righty Robert Stock was selected from Triple-A Iowa to face the Mets in Queens. Catcher P.J. Higgins was transferred to the 60-day IL in order to make room on the 40-man roster, and righty Trevor Megill was optioned back to Iowa to clear a space on the active roster.

Dillon Maples has been placed on the 10-day IL with what the Cubs are calling a right triceps strain, which is undoubtedly legit and not at all related to David Ross only trusting him to pitch twice in the last 11 days. Righty Cory Abbott, the Cubs’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019, has been recalled from Iowa to take the open spot in the bullpen.

Stock is the one to keep an eye on here because he’s got a very big fastball and could factor for the Cubs down the stretch as either a long reliever or perhaps even an opener should their plans call for it. As much as everyone loves to dream about Jed Hoyer making a big splash at the deadline, it still feels like the biggest additions are going to come from within.