Cubs Trim 10 From Spring Roster, Now Down to 50

The Cubs announced Monday that they have released righty Maikel Cleto and assigned nine players to minor league camp, thus reducing the roster from 60 to 50 players.

Aaron Brooks and Jose Rosario, both right-handed pitchers, and Jack Leathersich, a lefty, have been optioned to AAA Iowa. Righty Duane Underwood Jr. has been optioned to AA Tennessee. Righties Seth Frankoff, Casey Kelly, Jhondaniel Medina and Conor Mullee, along with southpaw Zac Rosscup (all non-roster invitees) were also optioned to minor league camp.

Of the 50 players remaining, the Cubs now have 24 pitchers, six catchers, 12 infielders, and eight outfielders. The first cut — which, contrary to popular belief, was not the deepest — consisted of six pitchers. Even after excising 10 more, they’re still left with a healthy complement of arms.

Expect more of the same when future assignments are announced, though we’re going to have to start seeing position players reassigned soon as well. Par for the course, particularly when you’ve got a team as stacked and as set as the Cubs do.

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