The Cubs launched catcher Tomás Nido, tweets Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Nido had been on the 10-day injured checklist however was occupying a 40-man roster spot. Chicago wanted to create a 40-man emptiness to finalize their declare of reliever Shawn Armstrong from St. Louis.
Nido has been on the IL since July 25 with a meniscus damage that required proper knee surgical procedure. The Cubs despatched him on a rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa final night time. That means he’s nearing a return, however the Cubs not felt they wanted him within the catching corps. Chicago known as up Christian Bethancourt as soon as Nido landed on the shelf. He has mashed over 11 video games within the backup function. Starter Miguel Amaya, in the meantime, has an enormous .337/.375/.554 slash because the All-Star Break. It’s an enormous turnaround after the 25-year-old hit .201/.266/.288 within the first half.
Since Nido’s damage, Cubs’ catchers personal an MLB-leading .327/.358/.634 batting line. Chicago’s catchers nearly instantaneously flipped from one of many league’s worst teams to being among the many finest for the final month. There’s not a lot of a cause to make a change. The Cubs might have carried three catchers for September however in all probability wouldn’t have had many at-bats accessible for Nido.
Chicago has put the 30-year-old on waivers. He’d be a free agent if he goes unclaimed, although there is probably not sufficient time for him to catch on elsewhere whereas nonetheless remaining eligible for postseason play along with his new membership. If one other staff claimed him or signed him to an enormous league contract, they’d solely be accountable for the prorated portion of the league minimal. The Mets are in any other case paying his $2.1MM wage within the second season of a two-year contract.
Nido is a profession .210/.245/.309 hitter over components of eight seasons. He’s clearly not going to convey a lot to the desk offensively however has a robust defensive repute. Statcast grades him extremely for his pitch framing acumen and arm power.