Cubs Make Roster Moves, Set Rotation Ahead of Diamondbacks Series

Friday marks the return of MLB from the yearly All-Star break. Now that the Chicago Cubs are ready to roll again, they will open a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks from Wrigley Field on Fri., Jul. 19. Aside from setting their starting rotation for the series, the Cubs also made a pair of notable roster moves.

For starters (pun intended), LHP Justin Steele, RHP Kyle Hendricks, and LHP Shota Imanaga will grace the mound on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively, for the Cubs. Shota Imanaga pitched one clean inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.

In addition, the Cubs activated OF Mike Tauchman from the injured list and added RHP Jesus Tinoco to the active roster. These moves sent OF Alexander Canario back to Triple-A Iowa and LHP Jordan Wicks to the 60-day IL, respectively.

Tauchman has been out since the middle of June with a groin strain. His return, with the current absence of Cody Bellinger, only bolsters the team's outfield depth. In 66 games, Tauchman is slashing .259/.359/.382 with five home runs and 19 RBIs. Tauchman has been rather clutch and an important player at the top of the lineup thanks to his high on-base percentage. Perhaps his return further adds to a rather hot Cubs lineup.

Tinoco was just acquired by the Cubs during the All-Star break. The righty was a part of a trade for cash considerations with the Kansas City Royals. Tinoco's 8.10 ERA isn't pretty on paper, but we've seen the Cubs work with some of these low-risk acquisitions and turn them into meaningful contributors in the bullpen. For nothing more than a roster spot, Tinoco is certainly worth the risk.

Related: Cubs Acquire Reliever Jesus Tinoco from Royals

The Cubs and Diamondbacks kick off their three-game set with a classic 1:20 p.m. CDT start on Friday. Justin Steele battles against RHP Ryne Nelson for Arizona.

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