PHOENIX — Proving that the last week of the exhibition season counts as much as any other week, the Chicago Cubs have opted to add non-roster invitee Brian Schlitter to their opening day roster.
Schlitter, 28, a Maine South High School graduate who pitched in seven games for the Cubs in 2010, posted a 2.08 ERA in eight spring appearances. Schlitter posted five consecutive scoreless outings until allowing a run in 1 2/3 innings Thursday against the White Sox.
Schlitter proved to be more reliable in the end than Alberto Cabrera, who is out of options and was designated for assignment.
Cabrera had allowed only one run in his first eight appearances. But Cabrera allowed five runs in the ninth inning to the Angels on Tuesday, and then he allowed a two-run home run to Rudy Flores on Wednesday.
“I think everybody is very comfortable with how he’s gone about his business – quite professionally – and he’s given us innings,” manager Rick Renteria told reporters.
The Cubs have 10 days to trade or release Cabrera.
Barring any last-minute changes, here is the Cubs’ opening day roster:
Starting pitchers
Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Jason Hammel, Travis Wood, Carlos Villanueva.
Relief pitchers
Jose Veras, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, James Russell, Wesley Wright, Hector Rondon, Brian Schlitter.
Catchers
Welington Castillo, John Baker
Infielders
Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, Mike Olt, Emilio Bonifacio, Luis Valbuena
Outfielders
Junior Lake, Justin Ruggiano, Ryan Sweeney, Nate Schierholtz, Ryan Kalish
