The Chicago Cubs have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past month, compiling a 25-17 record since July 1, which puts them right in the thick of both the National League Central and NL Wild Card playoff chases.
Going forward, however, they will be without veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart.
The Cubs announced Saturday that Barnhart had been designated for assignment. Utility player Miles Mastrobuoni was called up to replace Barnhart’s spot on the roster.
Barnhart, who signed a two-year deal with the Cubs last December, hit just .202 with one home run in 123 plate appearances for Chicago. Prior to joining the Cubs, Barnhart spent last season with the Detroit Tigers.
Before going to Detroit, he played the first seven seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he found the most success he’s had in his career, winning two Gold Gloves (2017, 2020) and leading Major League Baseball catchers in 2017 when he threw out 32 runners.
Barnhart is the third player that the Cubs signed last offseason that they’ve since DFA’d, joining Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini.
Last season saw the Cubs do something similar when they signed Jonathan Villar and Andrelton Simmons in the offseason, and DFA’d both players before the season ended.
Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya will split the catching duties going forward.