As the three utility players locked in a competition for limited bench spots continued to play well, it became clear the Cubs were going to have to make a tough decision before heading to Japan.
It came down Sunday, when the Cubs announced that Nicky Lopez, a veteran non-roster invitee, hadn’t made the roster for the Tokyo Series and that they were returning him to minor-league camp. Gage Workman and Vidal Brujan will be making the trip, manager Craig Counsell said.
‘‘Nicky had a heck of a camp,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Did everything we wanted him to do. The other guys around the competition also played very, very well. So there’s a decision. And they’re on the [40-man] roster, as well. So [Lopez has] had a great camp, and it’ll turn out well for him whatever happens here.’’
A clause in Lopez’s non-roster contract gives him an opt-out at the end of camp if he’s not on the roster by then. After the Tokyo Series, the Cubs will return to Arizona for another five spring games before reopening the regular season domestically. In theory, the situation might change between now and then, giving the Cubs an opening to add Lopez.
Lopez is expected to explore his options. And between his spring performance, track record and defensive versatility, he might be a fit for several teams.
Including Lopez, the Cubs returned six non-roster invitees to minor-league camp: outfielder Travis Jankowski (eligible for retention bonus), left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, right-hander Cade Horton and catchers Moises Ballesteros and Carlos Perez. They also optioned infielder Benjamin Cowles to Triple-A.
The Cubs’ spring roster is down to 35 players. They can take 31 to Tokyo.
What’s left to sort out?
There’s still one position-player spot open on the active roster. Third baseman Matt Shaw and outfielder Kevin Alcantara are the two players still in camp whose statuses for the Tokyo Series remain undecided.
Shaw was the favorite to win the third-base job going into camp, but an oblique injury dramatically shortened his ramp-up. The Cubs would have to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to add Shaw.
If the Cubs decide Shaw isn’t ready, Alcantara could provide outfield depth. Designated hitter Seiya Suzuki also will serve as the fourth outfielder. After that, if the Cubs don’t bring Alcantara, Brujan likely would be the next man up.
The Cubs also have bullpen decisions to make. With only two starters needed for the Tokyo Series, they essentially have three extra spots for relievers on the 26-man roster.
Laughs and lessons
The Cubs brought in Japanese-born, Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa to address the team Sunday, three days before leaving for Tokyo.
‘‘I wanted a fun way to get guys excited about the trip and maybe learn a little,’’ Counsell said.
Yanagawa took the team through ‘‘nine innings’’ of dos and don’ts in Japan.
‘‘When you toast in Japan, the younger person must have their glass below the older person,’’ Counsell recounted. ‘‘So that’ll make [40-year-old] Justin] Turner feel real good because he’s always going to be on the high ground for the toast.’’
Right-hander Jameson Taillon added: ‘‘Sounds like I need to visit a 7-Eleven. Sounds like I don’t need to be playing stuff out loud on my phone if I take the train.’’
Giants 8, Cubs 6
Kyle Tucker’s first spring training hit as a Cub was a home run. He drove a 2-1 pitch to left-center field. The dugout erupted as Tucker rounded the bases and then had some fun with him when he walked in by giving him the silent treatment. With that swing, Tucker snapped an 0-for-20 streak in Cactus League play.
- Michael Busch, Gage Workman and Carson Kelly led the team with two hits each. All three have hit above .400 this spring, with Busch’s .464 batting average leading the pack.
- Kevin Alcántara left the game after one at-bat, during which an athletic trainer and manager Craig Counsell checked on him. The team said Alcántara exited as a precaution and he is expected to be back in the lineup Monday.
- On deck: Cubs at Guardians, 3:05 p.m. Monday, Goodyear, Shota Imanaga vs. TBA.
