An unfortunate accident in the weight room has forced infielder Jonathan Villar to the injured list.
The exercise band Villar was using snapped back into his mouth, causing a freak injury that will require significant dental work. The Chicago Cubs placed him on the 10-day IL before Monday’s doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, retroactive to Friday.
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The Cubs recalled outfielder Nelson Velázquez, who made his big-league debut with a Game 1 start in right field. Velázquez is rated the Cubs’ No. 16 prospect by MLB.com and was Arizona Fall League MVP last year. He was promoted to Triple A in early May and hit .253 with nine doubles, one triple, 12 homer runs, 25 RBIs and a .914 OPS in 41 games between Double A and Triple A.
“Everything is a dream come true,” Velázquez said. “It’s everything I wished for in my life.”
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A clearly happy Velázquez is reunited with longtime minor-league teammate Christopher Morel.
“He’s my bestie,” said Velázquez, who is two lockers down from Morel’s.
Right-hander Matt Swarmer’s contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa. The 28-year-old, a former 19th-round pick, got the start in the first game versus the Brewers. Right-hander Ethan Roberts (right shoulder inflammation) was transferred to the 60-day IL to create a 40-man spot for Swarmer.
Swarmer posted a 2.08 ERA in nine games (five starts) at Iowa.
“The reports are he’s been throwing the ball really well,” manager David Ross said. “I think he’s made some adjustments in his game a little bit. He’s off to a good season.”
Right-hander Anderson Espinoza also earned his first major-league call up, brought up from Double-A Tennessee to serve as the 27th man for the doubleheader. Espinoza, 24, was acquired from the San Diego Padres in July for Jake Marisnick.
“It’s been a been a morning of congratulating a lot of guys for being up here,” Ross said. “Happy for a lot of those guys that have put in the hard work and you get the reward to come up and be in an environment like today.”
