Cubs make some necessary roster moves

Although it's just seven games it's very clear the Cubs needed to make changes to their bullpen. They made several moves today hoping to stop the bleeding before it gets worse.

The Cubs optioned Carl Edwards Jr to AAA Iowa, placed Mike Montgomery on the injured list with a left lat strain, recalled Kyle Ryan, purchased the contract of Allen Webster, and designated Jen-Ho Tseng for assignment.

Edwards Jr has completely fallen apart this season with a 32.40 ERA in four appearances. In an inning and two thirds he has allowed three hits along with five walks and two home runs. It's fair to wonder if his new delivery, which was declared illegal by the MLB, has had an impact on his numbers. Either way a reset to AAA Iowa will do him good and give him a chance to build confidence.

Montgomery had already missed time in Spring Training with a shoulder issue and now a lat injury threatens to derail his season even further. Like Edwards Jr, he's had an absolutely horrible start to the season with a 16.88 ERA in four appearances. He's been giving up a ton of baserunners while also being prone to the long ball. The Cubs expected him to eat significant innings out of the 'pen this year so if he misses a good amount of time it'll be a huge blow to the Cubs.

Ryan was in the mix for the final bullpen job, but ultimately ended up being sent to AAA Iowa. He pitched well in Spring Training with a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched along with a mediocre 1.42 WHIP. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2017, but he had a solid 2016 with the Tigers posting a 3.07 ERA in 55.2 innings pitched. He had made just one appearance for AAA Iowa giving up a run in and inning and two thirds.

Webster was another guy in the bullpen mix, and had a dominant Spring Training with a 1.50 ERA in nine appearances. The former top prospect has been working on a conversion to relief pitching, and had good results in the Cubs system last season. Like Ryan he's made just one appearance for Iowa going an inning and giving up one hit along with a strikeout.

Tseng was at one point a highly regarded international prospect, but has failed to live up to expectations in the Cubs system. He hasn't been impressive in the big leagues at all, but he's still just 24. The Cubs would love to be able to retain him and give him some more time to develop.