ST. LOUIS – The Cubs reinstated infielder David Bote from the 60-day IL on Friday, after a winding road back to health. He rejoined the Cubs lineup for the first time since late September.
“I’m just excited to be playing again,” Bote said before the Cubs opened a three-game series against the Cardinals on Friday. “I mean, I got goosebumps coming out here again.”
In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated veteran infielder Jonathan Villar for assignment. Villar started the season with a hot bat, but by Friday, his batting average had dropped to .222. He’d committed eight errors, tied with Patrick Wisdom for the most on the team, in about two-thirds as many games.