As the competition between three utility players for limited bench spots remained intense, it became clear that the Cubs faced a difficult decision before departing for Japan.
On Sunday, the decision was made when the Cubs announced that veteran non-roster invitee Nicky Lopez would not be part of the roster for the Tokyo Series, sending him back to minor-league camp. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Gage Workman and Vidal Brujan would make the trip instead.
“Nicky had an outstanding camp,” Counsell said. “He did everything we asked of him. The other guys competing for the spot also performed exceptionally well. Plus, they’re on the 40-man roster. Nicky’s had a great camp, and I’m confident things will work out well for him, regardless of what happens here.”
Lopez’s contract includes an opt-out clause if he is not on the roster by the end of camp. After the Tokyo Series, the Cubs will return to Arizona for five additional spring games before resuming the regular season domestically, which could provide another opportunity for Lopez to be added.
Given his strong spring performance, proven track record, and defensive versatility, Lopez is expected to explore his options and may draw interest from other teams.
Along with Lopez, the Cubs reassigned five other non-roster invitees to minor-league camp: outfielder Travis Jankowski (who is eligible for a retention bonus), left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, right-hander Cade Horton, and catchers Moises Ballesteros and Carlos Perez. Additionally, infielder Benjamin Cowles was optioned to Triple-A.
The Cubs’ spring roster has now been trimmed to 35 players, with 31 spots available for the trip to Tokyo.
One position-player spot on the active roster remains undecided, with third baseman Matt Shaw and outfielder Kevin Alcantara still in camp. Shaw, initially favored for the third-base job, had his progress hindered by an oblique injury, and adding him would require a 40-man roster move. If Shaw isn’t deemed ready, Alcantara could fill an outfield depth role, with designated hitter Seiya Suzuki also serving as the fourth outfielder. Should Alcantara not make the roster, Brujan would likely be the next option.
The Cubs also face bullpen decisions, as only two starters are needed for the Tokyo Series, allowing for three extra relievers on the 26-man roster.
In preparation for their trip, the Cubs invited Japanese-born, Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa to address the team. Yanagawa offered a lighthearted introduction to Japanese culture, sharing etiquette tips such as the tradition of holding a younger person’s glass lower than an older person’s during a toast.
In Sunday’s game, the Cubs fell to the Giants 8-6. Kyle Tucker broke an 0-for-20 Cactus League streak with his first hit of the spring — a home run to left-center field — earning playful silence from his teammates as he returned to the dugout.
Michael Busch, Gage Workman, and Carson Kelly each recorded two hits, with Busch leading the trio with a .464 average this spring.
Kevin Alcantara left the game after his first at-bat for precautionary reasons but is expected to return to the lineup Monday.
Up next, the Cubs will face the Guardians in Goodyear on Monday at 3:05 p.m., with Shota Imanaga taking the mound for Chicago against a yet-to-be-announced pitcher.