CINCINNATI — Last week’s Field of Dreams game between the Yankees and White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa, was a major success for Major League Baseball, which is hoping for more of the same next season with the Cubs.
Manager David Ross let it slip last week that the team would be part of next year’s game, then attempted to correct himself. But according to reports, the Cubs will indeed participate, taking on the Reds on Aug. 11, 2022. It would be the opener of a three-game series, with the Reds considered the home team. The date is currently listed as a day off for both teams on the 2022 tentative schedule because MLB has not officially announced the game.
Including the Cubs — with one of baseball’s largest fan bases — in next year’s game makes perfect sense after this year’s event gave MLB its highest ratings for a regular-season game since 2005.
The Cubs were supposed to have played the Cardinals in a two-game series in London last year, but that game never happened because of the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a shortened 60-game season.
Local product Hermosillo called up
The Cubs selected the contract of outfielder Michael Hermosillo from Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday’s game against the Reds. Hermosillo, 26, signed a minor-league deal in the offseason and has had a monster year in Iowa, slashing .310/.448/.600 with 10 homers with 25 walks in 42 games.
Hermosillo grew up in downstate Ottawa, attending Ottawa Township High School, and was drafted by the Angels in the 28th round in 2013. He had brief stints in the majors with the Angels the last three seasons, batting .188/.288/.287 with one home run and three stolen bases.
Against the Reds, he went 0-for-1 as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and replaced Rafael Ortega in center field.
“He had a nice spring for us,” Ross said. “He did a good job before he got hurt, and then there were some moments early on where his name was talked about, and he had an injury pop up down there. But he’s been great. I’m happy he’s here and gonna get an opportunity to contribute.”
In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated struggling right-hander Dan Winkler for assignment. Winkler had been one of the team’s more reliable relievers last season, but he had command issues over the last few months, and they came to a head over his last three outings, as he allowed 12 earned runs over 1 ⅔ innings (64.80 ERA).
“Just trying to maybe give somebody else an opportunity in the situation we’re in,” Ross said. “That’s a tough conversation that’s unfortunate about this game. You have a guy that’s given me a lot ever since I’ve been a manager. He’s given me a lot. He’s worked through a lot of ups and downs, and I think we’re at a spot to maybe give somebody else a shot in a moment where he’s just struggling a little bit.”
Left-hander Kyle Ryan, who was designated for assignment last Thursday, was outrighted and elected free agency.
