Chicago Cubs Transactions

Sunday, January 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs and first baseman Trey Mancini agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal with an option year for 2025. Mancini will bank seven million a year and could earn more with escalators and incentives. The 30-year-old was hauled to the Astros in a three-team deal that included Christian Vazquez to Houston. Mancini slashed .268/.347/.404 across 401 plate appearances with the Orioles before encountering some struggles in Houston. He didn't make much of an impact for the reigning champs after amassing just a .622 OPS. Despite the signing of Eric Hosmer, it appears that Mancini was brought in to address the lefty-righty split. Mancini should get some outfield reps and can also DH when Hosmer occupies first base.

Saturday, January 14

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year, $10.85 million deal with outfielder Ian Happ on Friday to avoid salary arbitration. Happ is in the final year of arbitration and will be eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season. The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2022 in his sixth season with the Cubbies, and he hit .271/.342/.440 with a .781 OPS, 17 home runs, a career-high 72 RBI, career-high 72 runs scored and a career-high-tying nine stolen bases in 641 plate appearances and 158 games played. Happ should remain a solid source of power and on-base percentage as a starting outfielder for Chicago yet again in 2023. RotoBaller has him ranked just inside the top-50 fantasy outfield options.

Friday, January 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs avoided salary arbitration with middle infielder Nico Hoerner on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.525 million deal. Hoerner had easily his best big-league season in his fourth year with the Cubs last season, but it still didn't move the needle much in fantasy. In a career-high 135 games played, he hit .281/.327/.410 with a .736 OPS, 10 home runs, 55 RBI, 60 runs scored and 20 stolen bases in 517 plate appearances. The 25-year-old was used mostly at shortstop, but he is expected to move back to the keystone in 2023 after the Cubs signed Dansby Swanson this offseason. Hoerner is most valuable to the Cubs for his defense and to fantasy managers for his speed on the basepaths.

Thursday, January 12

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs signed veteran right-hander Vinny Nittoli to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invite to major-league spring training. He will earn $775,000 in the big leagues or $162,000 in the minors. The 32-year-old pitched in just two games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022 and also in the minors for the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. He quickly finds a home after being released by the Phillies earlier this week. Nittoli will compete in camp to serve as relief depth for the Cubbies in 2023. He has only pitched three innings the last two seasons with the Phillies and Seattle Mariners, allowing two earned runs on a homer while walking three and striking out two.

Wednesday, January 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Philadelphia Phillies have released right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli, per a tweet from the team's official Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon. The Phillies tweeted the following: "RHP Vinny Nittoli (DFA'd on 1/4) has been released." Nittoli made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners and appeared in a pair of games for the Phillies in 2022. He previously pitched to a 3.81 ERA in 52 innings at the Triple-A level last year while logging 64 strikeouts compared to 14 walks allowed in the process.

Saturday, January 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (shoulder), who missed the last three months of the 2022 season due to a capsular tear in his right shoulder, has resumed a throwing program this offseason. He's on a regimented throwing program and is playing catch on flat ground, and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy is encouraged by Hendricks' progress. In a best-case scenario, Hendricks will feel great in spring training and be ready by Opening Day. However, the Cubs won't speed up Hendricks' process just so he can be ready by Opening Day. Chicago has enough starting pitching depth to get by early in the year if Hendricks isn't ready, and it sounds as though there's a good chance he won't be.

Wednesday, January 04

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs and left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki are reportedly "in agreement on a minor-league contract," according to a tweet from FanSided's Robert Murray on Wednesday morning. Murray tweeted the following: "Left-hander Ryan Borucki is in agreement on a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs, source said. Borucki, 28, posted a 4.26 ERA in 21 games with the Mariners last season after five years with the Blue Jays." A relief pitcher for each of the past three seasons, Borucki will provide the Cubs with some additional bullpen depth heading into next season. At the moment, the only left-handed bullpen options on Chicago's 40-man roster are Brandon Hughes and Anthony Kay.
		The Chicago Cubs agreed to a major-league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, according to sources. Terms of the deal haven't been made available yet, but it wouldn't be surprising if it was just a one-year deal. The 33-year-old began last season with the San Diego Padres before being shipped to the Boston Red Sox at the Aug. 2 trade deadline. He ended the season with a bum back and was designated for assignment and then released at the end of December. He'll likely be the team's starting first baseman to begin the 2023 campaign, but his power is declining and he won't be all that attractive at the position in shallow mixed fantasy leagues. Hosmer finished 2022 by hitting .268/.334/.382 with a .716 OPS, only eight home runs, 44 RBI and 38 runs scored in 104 total games.
		The Chicago Cubs agreed to a major-league deal with free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer on Wednesday, according to sources. Terms of the deal haven't been made available yet, but it wouldn't be surprising if it was just a one-year deal. The 33-year-old began last season with the San Diego Padres before being shipped to the Boston Red Sox at the Aug. 2 trade deadline. He ended the season with a bum back and was designated for assignment and then released at the end of December. He'll likely be the team's starting first baseman to begin the 2023 campaign, but his power is declining and he won't be all that attractive at the position in shallow mixed fantasy leagues. Hosmer finished 2022 by hitting .268/.334/.382 with a .716 OPS, only eight home runs, 44 RBI and 38 runs scored in 104 total games.
		The Chicago Cubs agreed with free-agent reliever Brad Wieck (elbow) on a two-year minor-league deal on Wednesday, according to sources. Wieck missed all of last season due to an elbow strain and underwent Tommy John surgery in July, so he'll likely miss most, if not all, of 2023 as well. In his last year with the Cubs in 2021, the 31-year-old left-hander only tossed 17 innings, allowing no earned runs on 10 hits while walking 10 and striking out 28. In his four major-league seasons with the Cubs and San Diego Padres, he's posted a 3.77 ERA (3.75 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, 89 strikeouts and 24 walks in 59 2/3 relief innings. The Cubs will be hoping Wieck is fully healthy for the 2024 season.

Tuesday, December 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent right-hander Nick Neidert to a minor-league deal last Friday, according to a source. The 26-year-old was recently non-tendered by the Miami Marlins. His deal includes opt-outs on June 1 and July 1. It's unclear if Neidert will be ready for spring training after undergoing surgery on his knee in September. He made just one start for the Fish in 2022, allowing two earned runs on five hits while walking none and striking out three in five innings in a loss to the New York Mets on July 30. In 13 major-league appearances (eight starts) in three seasons with Miami, he has a 4.59 ERA (5.45 FIP), a 1.45 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched. He'll serve as starting and relief depth for the Cubbies in 2023.

Friday, December 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs and free-agent left-hander Drew Smyly agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal on Thursday that includes a $10 million mutual option ($2.5 million buyout) for the 2025 season, according to a source familiar with the deal. Smyly will receive $8 million next year and $8.5 million in 2024. The 33-year-old southpaw will return to Chicago after going 7-8 with a 3.47 ERA (4.23 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP and 20.4 percent strikeout rate for the Cubbies in 106 1/3 innings over 22 starts in 2022. He became a free agent when he declined a mutual $10 million option for 2023. Smyly missed some time due to an oblique strain and has had plenty of injury issues in his nine-year big-league career, never throwing more than 175 1/3 frames in a single season.

Thursday, December 22

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with a total guarantee of $6.5 million with free-agent catcher Tucker Barnhart on Thursday. The deal includes a player option for the 2024 season, and with performance bonuses and escalators, Barnhart has the potential to earn up to $9.5 million. The deal is still pending a physical. It was a rough year offensively for the 31-year-old in 2022, as he hit just .221/.287/.267 with a home run, 16 RBI and 16 runs scored in 308 plate appearances over 94 games played in his only season with the Detroit Tigers. Barnhart has never been much of an offensive weapon (career high of 11 home runs in 2019), so he'll only be worth looking at in two-catcher formats. In Chicago, he's set to platoon with Yan Gomes in 2023.

Tuesday, December 20

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent infielder Sergio Alcantara to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. Alcantara spent his third major-league season in 2022 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, slashing a combined .220/.261/.356 with a .617 OPS, six home runs, 29 RBI, 26 runs scored and one stolen base in just 224 plate appearances and 93 total games. In 192 games over three big-league seasons, he has hit .209/.281/.343 with 12 homers, 47 RBI, 58 runs scored and four stolen bases. The 26-year-old switch-hitter has hit .258/.344/.323 with a .667 OPS in eight minor-league seasons. Alcantara will serve as infield depth for the Cubs entering the 2023 season and has a pretty good shot at seeing more time in the big leagues at some point next year.

Sunday, December 18

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs and free shortstop Dansby Swanson agreed to a seven-year, $177 million contract on Saturday. The 28-year-old lands in Chicago after the Braves, Red Sox and Dodgers expressed interest in singing the shortstop. He is coming one of the best seasons in his career, slashing .277/.329/.447 with 25 home runs, 96 RBI, 99 runs, and 18 stolen bases over 162 games in 2022. The former Atlanta Brave is one of the most reliable shortstops in the game and has played in 160 games in back-to-back seasons. Swanson is locked in as Chicago's starting shortstop, while Nico Hoerner will shift over to second base. The move to Chicago shouldn't affect Swanson's fantasy value too much, and he is ranked at No. 10 in the latest Rotoballer shortstop rankings.

Thursday, December 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs and right-handed relief pitcher Brad Boxberger agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the deal. The deal includes a $5 million mutual option for the 2024 season that comes with an $800,000 buyout. The 34-year-old became a free agent when the Milwaukee Brewers declined his $3 million option in November. Boxberger was solid for the Brewers in 2022, posting a 2.95 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, one save and 68 strikeouts in 64 relief innings over 70 appearances. He has 82 career saves in 11 major-league seasons, and there's a chance he could enter the saves picture in Chicago next year along with names like Brandon Hughes and Manuel Rodriguez.

Wednesday, November 16

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs acquired second baseman Miles Mastrobuoni from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in exchange for a Single-A pitcher, according to sources. Mastrobuoni can play both the infield and outfield. The 27-year-old made his major-league debut with the Rays this year and went 3-for-16 with a stolen base, a run scored and six strikeouts in his first eight big-league games. Down on the farm in 129 games for Triple-A Durham, the left-handed hitter batted a strong .300/.377/.469 with an .846 OPS, a career-high 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 92 runs scored and 23 stolen bases in 573 plate appearances for the Bulls. Mastrobuoni will likely compete for a utility role with Chicago in spring training next season.

Tuesday, November 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs are extending the $19.65 million qualifying offer to catcher Willson Contreras, but he is declining it and will become a free agent. The strong two-way catcher should do very well on the open market this offseason after slashing .243/.349/.466 with an .815 OPS, 22 home runs, 55 RBI, 65 runs scored and four stolen bases in 487 plate appearances over 113 games in what will likely be his final season in Chicago. The Detroit Tigers are reportedly already interested in the three-time All-Star backstop, and more teams will quickly jump into the mix for one of the best hitting catchers in baseball. If he lands with a contending team, as expected, his fantasy upside should only increase in a better lineup.

Sunday, October 30

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs outfielder Brennen Davis (back) will miss the rest of the Arizona Fall League. This is not good news after Davis missed most of the season due to surgery on his legs. Luckily, this sounds like it's only back tightness, so hopefully it won't linger into Spring Training. The Cubs were expected to add Davis to their 40-man roster this winter. The 22-year-old was likely to debut in Chicago next season, but those plans might've changed. Hopefully, Davis can get healthy and contribute next season.

Thursday, October 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs pitcher Adrian Sampson (groin) was removed from Wednesday's start against the Cincinnati Reds due to right groin tightness. He exited with the trainers in the third inning as a precaution. Sampson allowed one earned run on four hits and a walk while striking out three across 2 2/3 innings before leaving. The 30-year-old finished the 2022 campaign with a 4-5 record, a 3.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a 73:27 K: BB across 104 1/3 innings in 2022. Sampson is expected to be available for Spring Training in 2023.

Friday, September 30

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly (shoulder) will make the start on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. Smyly has been unavailable for a few weeks due to left shoulder fatigue, but he'll return to make one last start in 2022 against the Reds. The 33-year-old southpaw has been solid for the Cubbies this year in his 21 starts, going 7-8 with a 3.48 ERA (4.31 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP, 89 strikeouts and 26 walks in 103 1/3 innings pitched. He'll have a nice matchup against Cincinnati, too, but he'll still be a pretty risky fantasy streamer for those chasing a title in his first major-league start in several weeks. Tread carefully.

Wednesday, September 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (back) threw a successful bullpen session on Tuesday and is expected to throw one more high-intensity bullpen, but it sounds as though he will not make it back to make another start for the Cubs in 2022. "It just makes sense to me to just go ahead and send him off on a high note," manager David Ross said about Steele. It doesn't make sense for the Cubs to rush the 27-year-old southpaw back with nothing to play for this year. Steele showed plenty of improvement in his sophomore season in the big leagues, going 4-7 with a 3.18 ERA (3.21 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, 126 strikeouts and 50 walks in 119 innings pitched over his 24 starts for the Cubbies.

Tuesday, September 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs reinstated catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) from the injured list on Tuesday and also reinstated outfielder Seiya Suzuki from the paternity list. In corresponding moves, the Cubs optioned Jared Young to the minors and designated outfielder Michael Hermosillo for assignment. Contreras is serving as the designated hitter and is batting third against Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler on Tuesday, while Suzuki isn't in the starting lineup. Contreras might be eased back into his role as the regular catcher, but the 30-year-old should be returned to starting fantasy lineups on Tuesday. He has 21 home runs and 54 RBI on the year in 395 at-bats for the Cubbies. Suzuki should eventually return to an everyday role in the outfield down the stretch.

Thursday, September 22

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner (triceps) remains out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It remains to be seen if Hoerner will land on the injured list, which would likely end his 2022 season. The 25-year-old has now missed 10 straight games, so it's entirely possible he won't be able to make it back for the final couple of weeks of the season. Hoerner has been very solid for fantasy managers this year, slashing .291/.338/.421 with nine home runs, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in his 444 at-bats. Rookie Christopher Morel is at shortstop and is batting ninth on Thursday against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller. The 23-year-old has plenty of power (14 home runs), but he's hitting ninth and has gone 5-for-36 (.139) with a homer and three RBI in 15 games this month.

Wednesday, September 21

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs middle infielder Nico Hoerner (triceps) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins. This will be Hoerner's ninth straight game starting on the bench due to his injury, and fantasy managers have to be wondering if he'll land on the injured list to close out the 2022 season at this point. The 25-year-old has had a really solid year in his fourth big-league season, hitting .291/.338/.421 with a career-high nine home runs, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 477 plate appearances over 125 games. Zach McKinstry will get the start at the 6 on Wednesday and will hit eighth against Marlins left-hander Jesus Luzardo. The left-handed-hitting McKinstry should be avoided in DFS while facing a southpaw.

Saturday, September 17

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (triceps) has been diagnosed with a "mild/moderate" right triceps strain. He is currently receiving treatment for the injury that's kept him out of the lineup for the last five games. He sustained the injury last weekend and hasn't appeared in a contest since September 11. While he hasn't been placed on the injured list yet, there is still no timetable for his return. He should be considered day-to-day until further notice.
		Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki was placed on the paternity leave list on Saturday. The 28-year-old outfielder should miss the remainder of the Cubs' series with the Rockies this weekend while he spends some time with his family. He did miss Friday's contest with a left-hand contusion but X-rays came back negative so it's not considered to be a severe issue. Suzuki owns a solid .263/.336/.433 batting line to go along with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, and nine stolen bases across 372 at-bats on the year.

Friday, September 16

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner (triceps) is not in the starting lineup on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Hoerner will miss his fourth straight game this week while dealing with a triceps injury. If he's unable to return to the lineup this weekend, there's a good chance he could land on the injured list, which could end his 2022 season. The 25-year-old is having a solid year in his fourth big-league season, hitting .291/.338/.421 with nine home runs, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 444 at-bats. Rookie Christopher Morel is starting at the 6 on Friday and is batting ninth against Rockies right-hander German Marquez. Morel has 13 homers, 38 RBI, 50 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 335 at-bats, but he'll be a low-upside DFS play in the nine-hole.
		Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner (triceps) underwent an MRI exam on Friday and is meeting with a doctor to go over the results. Hoerner has missed the team's last four games with right triceps tightness and might have to be placed on the injured list. It would be a big blow for fantasy managers, as the 25-year-old has been a solid contributor all year. Hoerner is batting .291/.338/.421 with nine home runs, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 444 at-bats in 2022. With Hoerner still sidelined, rookie Christopher Morel will start at shortstop and bat ninth against Colorado Rockies right-hander German Marquez on Friday. Morel has 13 long balls in his first MLB season, but there won't be a ton of upside in DFS in the nine-hole.
		Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (hand, wrist) remains out of the starting lineup on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. However, the good news is that his X-rays came back negative for structural damage after he was hit by a pitch on his left hand/wrist in Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. Fantasy managers should consider the 28-year-old Japanese outfielder as day-to-day heading into the weekend. With Suzuki out on Friday, rookie Nelson Velazquez is starting in right field and is batting eighth against Rockies right-hander German Marquez. Velazquez is hitting .211/.286/.375 with six home runs, 20 RBI, 18 runs scored and four stolen bases in his first 152 major-league at-bats. He'll be a low-upside DFS option at the bottom of the lineup.
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) has progressed to light agility work in a running progression. Contreras sprained his left ankle recently and was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sept. 6. The Cubs have no reason to rush the 30-year-old All-Star back in a lost season, but it's good news that he's moving in the right direction. Skipper David Ross said that Contreras is likely around a week from returning to the team. Yan Gomes will continue to do most of the catching, while P.J. Higgins will occasionally mix in. Contreras made his third All-Star team this year and is currently hitting .246/.351/.471 with an .822 OPS, 21 home runs, 54 RBI, 63 runs scored and four stolen bases in 107 games. Keep him stashed everywhere.
		Chicago Cubs right-hander Alec Mills (back) underwent a successful lower-back discectomy on Wednesday, according to the team. Mills has been out of action since early July and was moved to the 60-day injured late last month, so he obviously won't pitch again in 2022. The 30-year-old only appeared in seven games (two starts) for the Cubbies in 2022 before his injury this summer. In those seven appearances, he allowed 19 earned runs on 28 hits (seven home runs given up) while walking three and striking out 11 in 17 2/3 innings pitched.

Thursday, September 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (hand, wrist) went for X-rays on Wednesday after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand/wrist, according to skipper David Ross. Suzuki finished the game against the New York Mets, going back out to the field for the bottom of the ninth inning. The 28-year-old went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored before getting hit by the pitch. The Cubs have an off day on Thursday, so we'll see if Suzuki is able to return to the lineup on Friday for the start of a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. On the season, the Japanese outfielder is hitting a respectable .263/.336/.433 with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 48 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 372 at-bats.

Sunday, September 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs outfielder Nelson Velazquez (illness) remains out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. He was a late scratch on Friday due to a non-COVID related illness. Possibly, the Cubs decided to have him sit out due to the fact a right-hander pitcher is on the mound. Ian Happ, Rafael Ortega and Seiya Suzuki will cover the outfield for the Cubs on Sunday night. The expectation is that Velazquez will return within the next few days.

Saturday, September 10

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs second baseman Nick Madrigal (groin) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right groin strain. The 25-year-old infielder left Friday's game against the Giants early with right groin tightness and that's the ailment that's placed him on the IL. He was hampered by a left groin issue earlier this season as well. Injuries have limited Madrigal to just 59 games played this season where he's put together a .249 batting average to go along with a .587 OPS and seven RBI over 209 at-bats. There's a chance he could make it back for the end of the regular season.
		Chicago Cubs corner infielder Patrick Wisdom (finger) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Saturday. The 31-year-old slugger missed a few weeks with a ring finger sprain on his left hand but he should be good to go for the remainder of the regular season. Wisdom owns a subpar .217/.311/.438 batting line but does have 22 home runs, 58 RBI, and seven stolen bases over 411 at-bats on the year. Second baseman Nick Madrigal (groin) was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Friday, September 09

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs third baseman Patrick Wisdom (finger) took batting practice on the field ahead of Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The 31-year-old has been sidelined since August 25 with a left ring finger sprain. He is eligible to come off the injured list, but it's unclear if Wisdom will require a rehab assignment before rejoining the lineup. Wisdom is slashing .217/.311/.438 with 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 60 runs, and seven stolen bases over 471 plate appearances in 117 games in 2022. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Wisdom in all league formats.
		Chicago Cubs rookie outfielder Nelson Velazquez (illness) was scratched from the starting lineup on Friday against the San Francisco Giants with an illness. Velazquez should be considered day-to-day for now. He's struggled in his first 147 major league at-bats this year, slashing .204/.282/.374 with six home runs, 19 RBI, 18 runs scored and four stolen bases. With him under the weather, Michael Hermosillo will start in center field and bat seventh against Giants left-hander Carlos Rodon. Hermosillo should be avoided in DFS formats on Friday in a tough matchup. In 28 at-bats for the Cubbies in 2022, he has just two hits, two RBI, two runs scored and 14 strikeouts.

Thursday, September 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		An MRI exam on Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) on Wednesday confirmed that he's dealing with a left ankle sprain. Contreras was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return when he's first eligible on Sept. 13. The 30-year-old has been one of the better catching options for fantasy managers this year, hitting .246/.351/.471 with an .822 OPS, 21 home runs, 54 RBI, 63 runs scored and four stolen bases in 462 plate appearances over 107 games played. However, fantasy managers may not get all that much production out of him the rest of the way in September. In his absence, Yan Gomes and P.J. Higgins will split playing time behind the plate in Chicago.

Tuesday, September 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs have selected the contract of right-hander Hayden Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa. In corresponding moves, the team placed left-hander Justin Steele (back) on the 15-day injured list and designated right-hander Kervin Castro for assignment. Wesneski, the team's No. 12 prospect per MLB Pipeline, appears to be the leading candidate to take Steele's spot in the starting rotation this weekend against the San Francisco Giants. The 24-year-old was acquired from the New York Yankees at this year's trade deadline. He's posted a 3.92 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 106 K's and 36 walks in 110 1/3 innings over 24 outings (23 starts) between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Triple-A Iowa this year. Wesneski will be making his MLB debut when he gets into a game.
		Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (back) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday, with the move being retroactive to Sept. 2. The earliest he can return will be on Sept. 17. Steele hasn't pitched for the Cubs since Aug. 26, also being put on the restricted list because of his vaccination status for a series in Toronto against the Blue Jays. With the 27-year-old on the shelf, pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski was called up from Triple-A Iowa and is a leading candidate to start this weekend against the San Francisco Giants in his MLB debut. Steele has been solid in 2022, going 4-7 with a 3.18 ERA (3.20 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP and a 126:50 K:BB in 119 innings pitched over his 24 starts.
		The Chicago Cubs placed catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain on Tuesday and reinstated Michael Hermosillo from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. The Cubs also designated Nicholas Padilla for assignment. Contreras' injured list stint is retroactive to Sept. 3. The All-Star backstop missed the series against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend with more pain in his sprained left ankle. With the 30-year-old on the shelf, Yan Gomes and P.J. Higgins will share catching duties for Chicago. Contreras has been a no-brainer must-start at the weak catching position in fantasy this year, as he's slashed .246/.351/.471 with an .822 OPS, 21 home runs, 54 RBI, 63 runs scored and four stolen bases in 395 at-bats.
		The Chicago Cubs activated left-hander Wade Miley (shoulder) from the injured list on Tuesday and designated pitcher Luke Farrell for assignment in a corresponding move. Miley is returning to the team's starting rotation and will start on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 35-year-old veteran southpaw has made only four starts this year, but he's allowed only six earned runs on 15 hits while walking eight and striking out 12 in 19 innings. Miley doesn't bring much fantasy upside with his 7.1 career K/9, but he's returning to a nice matchup against Cincinnati and is worth a look as a streamer in deeper formats if you still need innings.

Monday, September 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Wade Miley (shoulder) is expected to take the mound for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The left-hander has been sidelined since early June due to shoulder issues. Miley has only made four starts for the Cubs this year because of lingering injuries. However, he's posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 12/8 K/BB across those starts. The 35-year-old could be an interesting streaming option against a sub-par Reds lineup.

Sunday, September 04

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) is still absent from the starting lineup on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 30-year-old backstop has now missed four straight games with left ankle discomfort. It still looks like he'll avoid a trip to the injured list but it's anyone's guess as to when he'll return to the lineup. P.J. Higgins is starting in his place and batting seventh vs. Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas. Fantasy managers should still consider Contreras day-to-day.

Wednesday, August 31

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (foot, ankle) exited Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays in the sixth inning with left foot/ankle soreness, per the Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro. Contreras was pinch-hit for in the top of the inning, but went 1-for-2 with a solo home run before exiting. He will get treatment Wednesday and the Cubs have an off day on Thursday, so hopefully, he will have enough time to rest. The 30-year-old backstop has been a solid fantasy option at a weak position once again this season, slashing .246/.351/.471 with 21 HR, 54 RBI, and four stolen bases. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out for more updates in the coming days.
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) is not in the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Contreras left the game early on Tuesday with left ankle soreness, and he'll get another day to rest. Consider him day-to-day for now. Before leaving the contest early, he at least hit a solo home run for his fantasy managers. It's an ongoing issue for the 30-year-old backstop, as he missed four games last week with the same injury. Yan Gomes will do the catching on Wednesday and will hit seventh against Blue Jays right-hander Mitch White. Gomes will be a low-upside DFS play at the position. He's hitting .217/.247/.338 with six homers, 20 RBI and 18 runs scored in his 207 at-bats for the Cubs this year.

Sunday, August 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs pitcher Wade Miley (shoulder) threw a 25-30 pitch bullpen session Saturday. The southpaw said the bullpen session went well and is on track to begin a rehab assignment. "I'd like to pitch tomorrow (Sunday), but I don't think they'll let me," said Miley. The 35-year-old had been sidelined since June 10 with a shoulder injury. He owned a 2.84 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 12:8 K: BB across 19 innings in four starts in 2022. Fantasy managers with an open IL spot should continue to stash Miley for the final stretch of the regular season.
		Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay (lat) went two innings in his minor league rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, and he allowed one run on one hit while walking two and striking out six. Alzolay has been out all year due to a right shoulder lat, but he appears to be getting closer to making his 2022 debut for the Cubbies. The 27-year-old went 5-13 last year with a 4.58 ERA (4.65 FIP), a 1.16 WHIP and a 128:34 K:BB in 125 2/3 innings over 29 appearances (21 starts) in Chicago. Alzolay won't return to the big leagues until at least September, and he's unlikely to have much fantasy appeal if the Cubs insert him into their rotation.

Saturday, August 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele left his Friday start against the Milwaukee Brewers with an apparent injury to his left leg or knee. Steele departed with one out in the sixth inning, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six and walking four. The 27-year-old grabbed at the back of his left knee after a fly-out in the inning and appeared to be trying to stretch it out. Trainers came out to check on him and he left shortly after. Look for the Cubs to update the lefty's status after Friday's game concludes.

Friday, August 26

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) will return to the lineup Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Contreras missed the last four games due to stiffness in his left ankle, which was caused by a tweak during the Field of Dreams game. He is ready to go tonight, though, and will catch and bat second against Freddy Peralta and the Brewers. The stud backstop has a tremendous .248/.357/.472 slash line to go along with 20 homers and even four swipes. Get him back in your lineup right away.

Thursday, August 25

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) remains out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be his fourth straight game starting on the bench due to left ankle stiffness. Fantasy managers should continue to view the All-Star backstop as day-to-day. P.J. Higgins is behind the dish again and is hitting sixth on Thursday against Cardinals right-hander Dakota Hudson. Higgins is just 6-for-40 (.150) with two home runs, four RBI, three runs scored and 16 strikeouts in 14 games this month, and he's hitting .242 on the season with six long balls and 20 RBI in his 128 at-bats. There should be better DFS plays on Thursday at the position.

Wednesday, August 24

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. Contreras is dealing with left ankle stiffness and didn't play in either game of a doubleheader against St. Louis on Tuesday. For now, fantasy managers should consider the 30-year-old All-Star catcher as day-to-day. With Contreras out again Wednesday, Yan Gomes will do the catching and will hit seventh against Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas. Gomes is a low-upside DFS option at the position to begin with, and he's also hitting just .188 (3-for-16) with a homer, three RBI and a run scored in five games over the last two weeks.

Tuesday, August 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay (shoulder) started his minor league rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Monday and allowed one run while striking out four in three innings pitched. Alzolay has yet to pitch for the Cubs this year after beginning the regular season on the injured list with a strained right lat, but he's getting closer to making his 2022 season debut. The 27-year-old will surely have at least a couple more rehab outings before he becomes a realistic option to join Chicago's starting rotation for the stretch run. In 125 2/3 innings for the Cubbies in 2021, Alzolay went 5-13 with a 4.58 ERA (4.65 FIP), a 1.16 WHIP and a 128:34 K:BB in 29 appearances (21 starts).
		Chicago Cubs third baseman Patrick Wisdom (finger) remains out of the starting lineup for Game 1 of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Wisdom will miss his third straight game due to a strained left ring finger, but he remains day-to-day and could return in the nightcap for Game 2. The 30-year-old is hitting just .219 with a .314 on-base percentage, but he also has a useful 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 59 runs scored and seven stolen bases in 114 games. Wisdom leads baseball with his 154 strikeouts. Rookie Christopher Morel is starting at third base and hitting ninth in Game 1 against Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright. Morel hasn't been bad in his first MLB season, but he's gone 6-for-30 (.200) with two home runs, three RBI and four runs in 10 games over the last two weeks.
		Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) is out of the lineup for Game 2 of the doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Contreras' left ankle felt stiff when he woke up Tuesday morning, but he'll be available off the bench. The fact that he's available off the bench means his injury probably isn't very serious. Consider the 30-year-old All-Star catcher to be day-to-day. P.J. Higgins is behind the dish in Game 2 and is hitting seventh against Cardinals right-hander Jake Woodford. Higgins will be a low-upside DFS option at the position. He's hitting .246 with six home runs, 20 RBI and 17 runs scored in 122 at-bats for the Cubs this year.

Monday, August 22

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) said that he'll head to Arizona after the team's current homestand with the goal of resuming a throwing program. However, the veteran hurler said his focus is on getting right for the 2023 season while having a full offseason. With the Cubs well out of contention, Hendricks' priority isn't to return to close out the 2022 campaign, so fantasy managers can likely let him go in single-year formats. The 32-year-old right-hander has had a tough year, too, going 4-6 with a 4.80 ERA (4.83 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP and a 66:24 K:BB in 84 1/3 innings over his 16 starts for Chicago.

Sunday, August 21

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Chicago Cubs third baseman Patrick Wisdom (finger) hurt his left ring finger when sliding into home during Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. In Saturday's win, he went 1-for-4 with an RBI double, a walk, and one run before injuring his finger in the bottom of the 11th inning. The 30-year-old sustained the finger at the end of the game. He will undergo x-rays after the game to determine the severity of his injury. The Cubs slugger is slashing .219/.314/.444 with 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 59 runs, and seven stolen bases in 114 games in 2022. If Wisdom is forced to miss any time, PJ Higgins and Zack McKinstry would see an uptick in at-bats.

Saturday, August 20

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Keegan Thompson (back) on the 15-day injured list with lower back tightness on Saturday and recalled Anderson Espinoza from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move. Thompson's last two outings haven't gone well, and perhaps his back injury is mostly to blame. He lasted only 3 2/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night and allowed five earned runs to raise his season ERA to 3.97 (4.57 FIP) in 25 appearances (17 starts). The 27-year-old also has a 1.31 WHIP, 91 strikeouts and 37 walks in 104 1/3 innings pitched. It remains to be seen if Thompson will be able to return when he's eligible on Sept. 6, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues should try to keep him stashed.