Cubs DFA Villar, Bote returns from 60-day IL originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs activated infielder David Bote from the 60-day injured list Friday, designating Jonathan Villar for assignment in a corresponding move.
Bote has not played this season after undergoing left shoulder surgery over the offseason. He dislocated the same shoulder last May and missed two months.
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He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa last month, which was interrupted after he began experiencing dizzy spells.
Bote, who underwent bloodwork and testing in Chicago, said he was unable to keep on weight, estimating he lost 20 pounds from his 2021 playing weight, and felt nauseous and dizzy.
He said the issue is something he’s dealt with for a couple of years and expressed confidence he’ll be able to manage the symptoms without getting specific about what the issue might be.
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“I just wanted to make sure nothing was seriously going wrong, especially for as long as it’s been going on,” Bote said. “It hadn’t been that bad to where things were getting out of control.
“There was 48 hours straight where I just laid in bed. I couldn’t do anything. We got through some things and have some plan going forward about how to help get things back on track. We’re managing the way it is now.”
Bote rejoined Iowa last week and went 11-for-22 with four doubles, a triple and 10 RBIs in six games.
He’ll play both second and third base for the Cubs and was in Friday’s starting lineup against the Cardinals.
“It's nice to have him back,” manager David Ross said. “Some versatility and he can move around. It’ll be good, be really good."
The Cubs signed Villar to a one-year, $6 million deal with a mutual option for 2023 in March, adding a versatile infield option to the mix.
But he struggled defensively, making eight errors between shortstop, second and third base, and hit .222/.271/.327 in 46 games.
Villar's -9 Outs Above Average are tied for last in baseball this season.
Contributing from St. Louis: Gordon Wittenmyer
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