Cubs Set Balanced Opening Day Roster, Mills to IL

Evan AltmanApril 7, 2022

The Cubs have set their Opening Day 28-man roster, but they didn’t make any cuts to get down from 31. Instead, three players have been placed on the 10-day injured list, all retroactive to April 4.

We already knew Wade Miley (left elbow inflammation) and Andrelton Simmons (right shoulder inflammation) would be in that group, but Alec Mills (low back strain) was unexpected. That opens the door for Keegan Thompson to take a spot in the rotation for at least the first turn.

This also means the Cubs will indeed roll with six outfielders, which is a good thing provided Michael Hermosillo and Rafael Ortega get most of the playing time in center. Narrator: They won’t. Alfonso Rivas has made the roster as well and will provide a lefty bat at first.

It’s a little odd that they’ve opted to balance the roster with 14 pitchers and 14 position players, particularly given the injuries to Miley and Mills, but they’ve got several relievers who can provide multiple innings when needed. And it’s going to be needed.

Here is the full Opening Day roster for your 2022 Chicago Cubs:

PITCHERS (14+5 IL)

0-Marcus Stroman, RHP

11-Drew Smyly, LHP

12-Codi Heuer, RHP(60-day IL)

20-Wade Miley, LHP(10-day IL)

21-Ethan Roberts, RHP

28-Kyle Hendricks, RHP

30-Alec Mills, RHP(10-day IL)

35-Justin Steele, LHP

37-David Robertson, RHP

38-Brad Wieck, LHP(60-day IL)