Rob Zastryzny returns to the Cubs in a flurry of roster moves

Rob Zastryzny was the Cubs’ second-round pick in 2013 out of the University of Missouri. He pitched in 12 games (one start) for the team in 2016-17 — and thus picked up a World Series ring.

Released in 2019, he drifted through the Dodgers, Orioles, Marlins, Mets, Angels and Pirates organizations, playing briefly for the Mets and Angels before spending most of 2024 in the big leagues with the Pirates and Brewers. In Milwaukee, he posted a 1.17 ERA and 0.652 WHIP in a very small sample size (nine games, 7⅔ innings).

Monday, the Cubs claimed Zastryzny on waivers from the Brewers. To make room on the 40-man roster for the former Cubs draft pick, righthander Jimmy Herget was designated for assignment. Herget had been claimed on waivers by the Cubs from the Braves last September, but never played in a MLB game for the Cubs.

Also Monday, four 2024 Cubs cleared waivers and became free agents: Yency Almonte, Christian Bethancourt, Colten Brewer and Enoli Paredes. Almonte and Brewer had been on the 60-day injured list. Almonte is not expected to be ready to pitch until late summer.

The Cubs also restored the following players from the 60-day IL to the active roster: Adbert Alzolay, Ben Brown, Brennen Davis, Luke Little, Nick Madrigal and Julian Merryweather.

With other roster moves previously announced and several players departing as free agents, the 40-man roster remains full.

The next deadlines coming up are Tuesday, Nov. 19, when teams must protect players in their minor-league systems from the Rule 5 Draft by adding them to the 40-man roster, and Friday, Nov. 22, the non-tender deadline. I would guess that before Nov. 19, some non-tender decisions will be made to open up spaces on the 40-man.

As always, we await developments.