CHICAGO -- The Cubs have tried a few things with their bench configuration while super sub Matt Shaw has remained on the injured list due to a sprained left hand. Prospect James Triantos is expected to be the latest player given a chance to pitch in for the North Siders.
The Cubs are planning to promote Triantos from Triple-A Iowa ahead of this weekend’s road series against the Pirates, sources told MLB.com. The team has not confirmed the move, or the required transaction to add Triantos to the active roster for what will be his Major League debut.
Shaw has been sidelined all month due to the sprained wrist/hand and was still feeling discomfort when he attempted to swing a bat around the All-Star break. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted on Tuesday that recent images on Shaw’s hand showed “significant healing,” but the utility man was headed to the team’s Arizona complex to continue his rehab.
Pedro Ramírez, who has been with Chicago since late May, has done a solid job at offering a backup option for second and third base (similar to Shaw). Shaw also doubled as a backup outfielder this year, so Kevin Alcántara has recently been used as protection behind all three of Chicago’s starting outfielders.
While a return before the end of the month has not been ruled out for Shaw, his comeback could linger into August given the amount of time he has missed at this point.
The 23-year-old Triantos (MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 Cubs prospect) was a second-round pick by Chicago in the 2021 Draft. He has mostly played second and third base throughout his climb through the Minors, but Triantos has also been used in all three outfield spots. This year with Iowa, he manned all three again, including nine games in center field.
Offensively, Triantos is known for his contact ability and low strikeout rate. In 88 games this season with Triple-A Iowa, he has posted a .306/.344/.440 slash line to go along with seven homers, 24 doubles, 52 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. Triantos currently has a 11.6% strikeout rate, with 44 strikeouts in 378 plate appearances.
Given the timing of this move, it is also worth noting that the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline is approaching.
The Cubs are on the hunt for pitching via trade to help the rotation or bullpen, or potentially both. If Chicago wants to avoid dealing from the very top of its Pipeline rankings, there are still intriguing prospects for other teams to consider. That could include Alcántara and Triantos, among others from within the farm system.