Cubs housekeeping while waiting for Joe

The Cubs made a handful of minor roster moves today that put their 40-man roster at 37.

Outfielder Darnell McDonald, catcher J.C. Boscan and right-hander Trey McNutt were cleared through waivers and out-righted off the 40-man roster.

Outfielder Thomas Neal and right-handers Rafael Dolis and Zach Putnam all were activated from the 60-day disabled list, cleared through waivers and also out-righted off the roster.

The Cubs have seven players under big-league contracts next year for a total of $29.75 million (including Jorge Soler at $2 million), not counting $11 million owed toward Alfonso Soriano next year and another $3.5 million between prospect Gerardo Concepcion and the Carlos Marmol trade.

They have nine arbitration-eligible players on the roster, including Opening Day starter Jeff Samardzija, All-star pitcher Travis Wood and Gold Glove second baseman Darwin Barney.