MESA, Ariz. -- The Chicago Cubs optioned infielder Nico Hoerner and reliever Brad Wieck to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.
The move means David Bote will be the opening-day second baseman Thursday against Pittsburgh.
"This is less about Nico and more about David Bote," Cubs manager David Ross said. "Bote had a great spring. It's an opportunity for David that he's earned and deserves. It's a chance to play every day at second base.
"I dont think it's fair for Nico to come off the bench and have sporadic at-bats.