The Chicago Cubs have made a move to strengthen their bench as they were a bit short on position players considering the fact that manager Joe Maddon has opted to carry three catchers - Miguel Montero, Welington Castillo and David Ross - to start the season.
Per reports, the Cubs have decided to call-up outfielder Junior Lake and optioned RHP Brian Schlitter to Triple-A Iowa. Schlitter hasn't been effective ever since coming up earlier this month and the numbers tell the whole story as the 29-year-old has a 9.53 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP in only seven appearances. He has allowed 10 hits and six earned runs in 5.2 IP.
Junior Lake will take Schlitter's place in the 25-man roster and while he's not expected to compete for a starting spot in the outfield, he can be serviceable as a pinch-hit or pinch-run option off the bench. Lake was batting .289/.340/.333 after the first games at Iowa and he's expected to showcase the improve plate displicine he showed both at Winter Ball and the Minor League level.
Lake is expected to be available for Monday game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.