Cubs make second round of roster cuts before win over Diamondbacks

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Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Mike Zagurski pitches in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Mesa, Ariz | Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

There they go

With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Cubs made their second round of roster cuts. They optioned pitchers James Norwood, Duane Underwood and Rowan Wick to Class AAA Iowa. They also reassigned pitchers Christian Bergman, Matt Carasiti, George Kontos, Dakota Mekkes and Mike Zagurski; infielders Ryan Court, Phillip Evans, Trent Giambrone, Zack Short and Jim Adduci; and catchers Francisco Arcia and P.J. Higgins to minor-league camp.

With the moves, the Cubs have 40 players remaining in camp: 23 pitchers, three catchers, eight infielders and six outfielders.

Saturday’s grind

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks allowed five hits and one earned run while striking out two and walking two in 3⅓ innings. He threw 74 pitches, 47 for strikes.

“I was hoping to get a few more outs with that [amount of pitches], just a lot of deep counts,” Hendricks said. “It was a grind, battle, I was a little off early, especially [my] fastball command wasn’t very good, but actually settled in better. Just too many deep counts, just couldn’t get early contact to put it in play.”

Hendricks is expected to make two more outings this spring.

Contreras out

Before the game, catcher Taylor Davis replaced Willson Contreras, who hurt his ring finger Thursday while catching Yu Darvish. Davis went 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Bryzzo back in business

Manager Joe Maddon said he expects Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javy Baez to bat second through fourth. 

The trio went a combined 4-for-8 with 2 RBI on -Saturday.

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On deck

Rockies at Cubs, Mesa, 3:05 p.m. Sunday, NBCSCH, cubs.com radio, Chad Bettis vs. Jose Quintana.

— Madeline Kenney

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