The Cubs finalized their 25-man roster on Wednesday with a bit of a surprise as outfielder Matt Szczur and infielder Tommy LaStella both made the team. Chicago assigned catcher Carlos Corporan to minor-league camp and placed left-handed reliever Brian Duensing on the disabled list after he missed time with back spasms earlier this spring.
The DL stint for Duensing allows the Cubs to push off a decision on what to do with Szczur and La Stella. Szczur is out of options and manager Joe Maddon has repeatedly pointed out this spring that Szczur is a major leaguer. However, with Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora and Jon Jay making up a crowded outfield and infielders Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist, and catcher Willson Contreras, all able to play the outfield, the Cubs’ bench was in more need of another infielder, leaving La Stella as the more ideal roster fit.