The Cubs lost in frustrating fashion on Saturday as two relievers combined to give up a one-run lead in the eighth inning and turn it into a one-run loss. But the bigger problem for the Cubs is that with star outfielder Kyle Tucker already on the injured list, the team is now putting top prospect Owen Caissie on the IL, too, a seven-day stint.
Caissie made an outstanding catch in the top of the third inning but appeared to hit his head on the outfield wall as he tumbled. He was removed from the game as a concussion precaution. It’s part of a frustrating season for Caissie, who excelled at Iowa (.286/.386/.551) but has been unable to gain much traction when he’s been called up.
In 12 games, Caissie is batting just .192.
“Owen has concussion symptoms,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Saturday. “He just kind of got gradually worse after running into the wall, and about 45 minutes later, he couldn’t continue.”
On Sunday, the Cubs announced that they are calling up Kevin Alcantara and placing Caissie on the IL.
Cubs Bring Up No. 5 Prospect Kevin Alcantara
The 23-year-old Alcantara has made three appearances with the Cubs this season, and is 1-for-6 with a .167 average, including a walk and three strikeouts. He’s had a solid season at Triple-A Iowa, where he has hit 17 homers and is slashing .266/.349/.470.
Alcantara rates as the Cubs‘ No. 5 prospect, and figures to challenge for a roster spot next season. He was the main piece shipped to Chicago in the trade that sent Anthony Rizzo to the Yankees four years ago.
As MLB Pipeline writes of him: “Alcantara offers a combination of size and athleticism that few players can match. Though it takes him a while to get out of the batter’s box, he’s a plus runner once he gets going and can be at least a 20/20 player if he takes more chances on the bases. He continues to improve defensively, and he’s a quality center fielder with good instincts and a strong arm.”
Willi Castro in RF
Still, it was veteran Willi Castro who got the start in right field in Sunday’s afternoon game from Wrigley Field, much to the chagrin of a swath of Cubs fans who are puzzled by Counsell’s fealty toward Castro.
Castro came over at the trade deadline in a deal with the Twins to give the team some positional depth. Indeed, that part has worked out–Castro has appeared in all three outfield spots with the Cubs, as well as at second base and third base.
He has batted just .183 in 28 games with the Cubs, however.
Cubs Scrambling as Another Outfielder Hits the Injured List