The Cubs reduced the Spring Training roster by 11 players prior to Friday’s game with the White Sox. And with Friday’s cuts, the Cubs’ spring roster officially stands at 45 players.
C Willson Contreras, INF/OF Arismendy Alcantara, RHP Carl Edwards Jr., RHP Pierce Johnson and LHP C.J. Riefenhauser were optioned to Triple-A Iowa. 3B Jeimer Candelario was optioned to Double-A Tennessee. All six of these players will be on an optional assignment for the 2016 season.
The Cubs optioning the player to a specific level does not mean that is where the player will begin the 2016 season.