The Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster has been set. We’re just hours away from the 2014 season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. And as you know the Cubs made that one huge off-season acquisition that made national headlines. It was a publicity splash when they introduced…..Clark the Bear.
Yes, Clark the mascot. I guess you understand why the sports books have the Cubs as the second least likely MLB team to win the World Series.
Some footnotes to the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster.
Right-handed pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa has been placed on the 15-day disabled list as he continues to recover from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery. Right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tightness. Right-handed pitcher James McDonald has been placed on the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Fujikawa and Arrieta are retroactive to March 21.
Here is a look at the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster:
PITCHERS (12 + 3 DL)
11-Kyuji Fujikawa, RHP (15-Day DL)
29-Jeff Samardzija, RHP
33-Carlos Villanueva, RHP
36-Edwin Jackson, RHP
37-Travis Wood, LHP
39-Jason Hammel, RHP
40-James Russell, LHP
41-Jose Veras, RHP
46-Pedro Strop, RHP
49-Jake Arrieta, RHP (15-Day DL)
52-Justin Grimm, RHP
53-Wesley Wright, LHP
55-James McDonald, RHP (60-Day DL)
56-Hector Rondon, RHP
63-Brian Schlitter, RHP
CATCHERS (2)
12-John Baker
53-Welington Castillo
INFIELDERS (6)
13-Starlin Castro
15-Darwin Barney
24-Luis Valbuena
30-Mike Olt
44-Anthony Rizzo
64-Emilio Bonifacio
OUTFIELDERS (5)
6-Ryan Sweeney
19-Nate Schierholtz
20-Justin Ruggiano
21-Junior Lake
51-Ryan Kalish
aul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)