MESA, Ariz. (AP) — David Bote has won the second-base job with the Chicago Cubs, and Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay will round out the team’s rotation at the beginning of the season. The Cubs cleared the way for Bote when they optioned infielder Nico Hoerner to Triple-A Iowa. Bote, Hoerner, and Eric Sogard had been in the mix at second, and manager David Ross says Bote is the choice. Bote, who turns 28 on April 7, batted .200 with seven homers and 29 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened season last year. He was selected by Chicago in the 18th round of the 2012 amateur draft.
Also in MLB news:
— The Red Sox say closer Matt Barnes has tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t be ready for opening day. Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Barnes is asymptomatic.
— The Brewers have re-signed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann to a minor-league contract one day after releasing him. The move enables the Brewers to send the 34-year-old right-hander to their alternate site in Appleton, Wisconsin.
— Pablo Sandoval has made the opening day roster for the Braves. Atlanta also selected the contracts of nonroster players Ehire (AY’-ray) Adrianza and Nate Jones. Former All-Stars Jason Kipnis and Jake Lamb were released.
— The Rockies placed right-handed reliever Scott Oberg on the 60-day injured list after he underwent surgery to dissolve blood clots in his pitching arm. Oberg was steadily working his way back to the mound after missing all of the 2020 pandemic-shortened season due to a blood clot.
— The Nationals sent their expected starting third baseman, Carter Kieboom, to the minor leagues along with infielder Luis Garcia, pitchers Sam Clay and Kyle McGowin, and outfielder Yadiel Hernández. Surprising additions to the team’s major league roster were infielder Jordy Mercer and utility man Hernán Pérez.
