The Cubs could have used a backup shortstop/second baseman Thursday night in Philadelphia, as the infield defense failed them in the disastrous ninth inning when the Phillies scored six runs, partly because ground balls that could have been fielded weren’t.
Now, they’ll have one:
Kintzler activated, Norwood demoted. Addison Russell called up, Almora optioned to Iowa.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) August 16, 2019
Albert Almora Jr. has struggled offensively all year. Since the All-Star break he’s hitting just .219/.237/.384 (16-for-73). He has four home runs, but just two walks in that time span.